Patna: October brings a set of regulatory and procedural changes affecting different categories of consumers, bank customers, taxpayers, investors and railway passengers. The changes include Aadhaar biometric authentication for subsidised LPG, revised banking provisions, new tax deadlines and tighter railway ticket checks.
Aadhaar Authentication For LPG Subsidy
From October 1, eligible domestic LPG consumers seeking subsidised refills are required to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication. Those who have already completed the authentication do not need to repeat the process.
The authentication can be completed through LPG distributors and other authorised channels. Consumers who have not completed the process should check their authentication status with their LPG provider.
New Disclosure Rules For Large Fixed Deposits
Banks are required to disclose interest rates applicable to bulk deposits on their websites. For scheduled commercial banks, the RBI’s bulk-deposit threshold is Rs 3 crore and above.
The change is mainly relevant to customers placing large-value fixed or term deposits rather than ordinary retail depositors.
Four Free Withdrawals For SBI BSBD Accounts
State Bank of India’s Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts allow up to four withdrawals a month without charges under the prescribed facility. Withdrawals beyond the permitted number can attract charges.
SBI’s existing BSBD information also states that the four-withdrawal limit covers withdrawals through own and other bank ATMs as well as certain other withdrawal channels.
SBI Salary Account ATM Limit
SBI salary package account holders will have a reduced limit of five free transactions a month at other banks’ ATMs, according to reports on the October changes. Customers who regularly use another bank’s ATM should check the applicable terms for their account category.
Changes In NRI Property TDS Procedure
The Income Tax Department has issued a notification updating the TDS reporting requirements for property transactions involving non-residents. The changes include updates to the relevant forms and reporting procedure.
People purchasing property from NRIs should follow the revised requirements applicable to their transaction rather than relying on the earlier procedure.
Revised NPS Point-Of-Presence Charges
The National Pension System has revised the charge structure applicable to Point of Presence (PoP) services for common NPS schemes, including NPS Lite. The revised framework was notified earlier in 2026 and includes charges linked to onboarding and assets under management.
ITR Deadline Extended For Tax-Audit Cases
The Central Board of Direct Taxes has extended the deadline for filing income-tax returns for certain taxpayers subject to audit from October 31 to November 21, 2026.
The deadline for furnishing the corresponding tax-audit report has also been extended from September 30 to October 21. The extensions apply to the taxpayers covered by the specified provisions for Assessment Year 2026-27.
UPI Merchant Payments Above Rs 2,000
From October 15, a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate will apply to certain person-to-merchant UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. The charge is levied on the merchant rather than directly on the customer.
The provision does not introduce a corresponding charge on ordinary person-to-person UPI transfers.
Railway Ticket Checks Intensified
A month-long special ticket-checking drive is being conducted from October 1 to October 31, with particular attention to concessions, reservation quotas, passes and other specified ticket categories.
Passengers using such facilities should carry the required original identity documents along with their tickets. Reports on the campaign specifically identify Central Railway’s zone; passengers travelling from Bihar should check railway instructions applicable to their particular train and zone rather than assuming that the same campaign applies uniformly across all stations.
What People In Bihar Should Check
For households and consumers in Bihar, the most relevant steps are to verify LPG Aadhaar authentication, understand applicable SBI ATM and withdrawal limits, and carry valid identification while travelling by train.
Taxpayers covered by audit provisions should also note the revised October 21 audit-report and November 21 ITR deadlines. These changes apply to specific categories, so customers should verify the rules applicable to their individual account, transaction or tax status.
