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EPFO Simplifies Partial Withdrawal Rules

Anil Vanna — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:58:20 +0000

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has simplified its partial withdrawal rules. It combined 13 clauses into three main categories: Essential Needs, Housing Needs, and Special Circumstances. The reform makes withdrawals faster, simpler, and more transparent for nearly 30 crore members who hold Rs 30 lakh crore collectively.

Under EPFO 3.0, members can withdraw up to 75 per cent of their total balance while keeping at least 25 per cent for retirement. The minimum service requirement is now 12 months for all withdrawals, replacing the previous rules that varied by purpose.

Members no longer need to submit proof for Special Circumstances withdrawals, reducing paperwork. EPFO has also increased limits for education and marriage withdrawals to 10 and 5, respectively, giving more flexibility to members.

Stricter rules apply to final settlements. Members can apply for early settlement only 12 months after leaving a job, and pension withdrawals are allowed 36 months later. Full withdrawals after job loss are exempt from the 25 per cent minimum balance. While the changes improve efficiency, they may delay access for unemployed workers.

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Indian Stock Markets Open Slightly Higher

Anil Vanna — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:12:06 +0000

Indian stock markets opened higher on Monday, supported by gains in banking and IT shares. Investor sentiment improved after RBI’s lending reforms.

At the opening bell, the Sensex rose 67 points to 81,274.79. Nifty advanced 22 points to 24,916.55. Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech gained nearly 1 per cent.

Analysts said positive momentum came from RBI keeping the repo rate at 5.5 per cent. Inflation forecasts were lowered, while GDP growth outlook improved. Festive demand and capital market reforms also boosted confidence.

Market experts advised caution amid volatility. A buy-on-dips strategy was suggested, with partial profits booked on rallies. Corporate earnings, FOMC minutes, and US trade developments are expected to influence activity.

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Private Banks Market Cap Declines in Q2

Anil Vanna — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:45:43 +0000

Private sector banks in India saw a drop in market capitalisation during the July–September quarter (Q2 FY26). Trade uncertainties affected investor sentiment, the report said. HDFC Bank fell 4.8 per cent, while ICICI Bank declined 6.7 per cent.

Other private lenders like Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank also recorded market cap losses. IndusInd Bank was the worst performer, losing 15.7 per cent and falling to the 14th position after reporting accounting lapses.

Public sector banks gained in the same period. SBI’s market cap rose 10 per cent. Canara Bank and Indian Bank gained 8.3 per cent and 16.7 per cent, respectively. Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank also reported moderate gains.

The government expects the economy to benefit from lower GST rates, festive demand, and normal rainfall. RBI raised GDP growth for FY26 to 6.8 per cent. Economists anticipate further rate cuts after two reductions in early 2025, supporting the banking sector.

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