Major changes coming from October 1: From bank rules and LPG to traffic fines, your wallet will feel the impact
From LPG to UPI payments, several changes are set to take effect on October 1 that will significantly impact the lives of the common man. It is crucial to be aware of these developments.
Every month brings new changes. Similarly, several rules are set to change starting October 1, which will have a major impact on the lives and finances of the common man. These changes cover a wide range of areas, from LPG to UPI payments. Let’s take a look at what is changing and what you need to keep in mind.
If customers availing of LPG subsidies have not yet completed their biometric Aadhaar authentication, they should do so immediately before October 1. Failure to do so will not result in the disconnection of your gas supply or a halt in cylinder deliveries; however, you will not receive the subsidy and will have to book refills at the market price. This authentication process can be completed via OMCs’ mobile apps, at distributor showrooms, or at the time of LPG delivery.
Changes to Fixed Deposit (FD) rules
In accordance with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directives, starting October 1, banks must offer uniform interest rates across all branches and to all customers for identical deposit amounts made on the same date.
Under RBI regulations, all Small Finance Banks are now required to update their Fixed Deposit (FD) interest rate lists on their official websites by 10:00 AM daily. The objective of this move is to ensure transparency and prevent discrimination regarding interest rates for customers making similar deposits.
New SBI rule for cash withdrawals
If you hold an account with the State Bank of India (SBI), this is important news for you. State Bank is revising the charges for cash withdrawals from ‘Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts’ opened through its branches. Under these new rules, four cash withdrawals per month will remain free of charge. Beyond this limit, account holders will be required to pay ₹15 plus applicable GST for each subsequent cash withdrawal.
Stricter Rules for Birth and Death Certificates
The government is also implementing stricter regulations regarding the registration of births and deaths. Under the new rules, registration completed within 21 days of the event will be considered standard and will be entirely free of cost. Within this timeframe, birth and death certificates can be easily obtained from hospitals or local bodies (such as municipal corporations or panchayats).
If registration is delayed beyond 21 days, an affidavit along with a late fee will be required. If registration takes place after one year but within two years, approval from a competent Executive Magistrate will be mandatory. If registration is not completed even after two years, approval from a First Class Judicial Magistrate will be required.
New NPS Scheme
There is good news for NPS subscribers. A new scheme named ‘NPS Swasthya’ is set to launch, offering healthcare-related benefits alongside retirement savings. Under this scheme, subscribers will receive a separate super top-up health insurance policy linked to their ‘NPS Swasthya’ account. The scheme is expected to launch on October 1, 2026, potentially benefiting approximately 2.17 crore NPS subscribers across the country.
Easier Property Purchase
Buyers purchasing property from NRI sellers will also find relief starting October 1. Under new income tax regulations, resident individual buyers and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) will no longer be required to obtain a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) when purchasing property from NRI sellers. Instead, they will be able to deduct and report TDS using their PAN. This change will come into effect on October 1, 2026.
Home appliances to become costlier
Major manufacturers of LED TVs, air conditioners, washing machines, and other appliances are set to raise prices by 5% to 8% starting October 1, coinciding with the festive season. This will mark the third price hike of the year. According to PTI, companies are taking this step due to rising costs of raw materials such as copper, steel, and crude oil-based products. Additionally, ongoing tensions in West Asia and the resulting currency fluctuations are contributing factors.
Government gets tough on PUC
The government has made a major announcement to curb rising air pollution in Delhi during the winter season. An enforcement drive is set to begin on October 1, 2026. Under this initiative, a hefty fine of ₹10,000 will be imposed on motorists driving without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
This means that starting October 1, teams from the Transport Department and Traffic Police will be deployed across Delhi’s roads and at the Delhi-NCR borders to check vehicle PUC certificates. Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, the absence of a valid pollution certificate attracts a fine of ₹10,000, along with a provision for imprisonment ranging from 3 to 6 months, or both.
Update on free travel for women in Delhi
Rules regarding free travel for women on DTC and cluster buses in Delhi are set to change starting October 1, 2026. Under the new system, women will be required to use the 'Saheli Pink Smart Card' to avail of free bus travel. The currently used pink paper tickets will no longer be valid after September 30.
From October 1, passengers must tap the card on the Electronic Ticketing Machine (ETM) upon boarding the bus. If you do not have the card, you will not be eligible for free travel and will have to purchase a ticket just like other passengers.
