With the beginning of the new year 2025, the Government of India has implemented many important changes. These changes will directly impact the everyday lives of common citizens. These include digital payments, pension, loans for farmers, automobile prices and changes in visa rules.
The purpose of these changes is to benefit different sections of the country. Be it people from rural areas, senior citizens, or farmers. The government believes that these changes will help in strengthening the country’s economy and improve the living standards of the people.
Five big changes on New Year 2025: Big announcement from the government
shift | Description |
UPI limit | Increase from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 |
pension rules | Pension withdrawal from any bank ATM |
car prices | 2-4% increase |
farmer loan | Without guarantee up to ₹2 lakh |
visa rules | Thailand e-Visa and US rescheduling |
Senior Citizen Health Insurance | Cover of ₹5 lakh to all citizens above 70 years of age |
1. Increase in UPI payment limit: Digital Payment Boost
From the new year, now transactions up to ₹ 10,000 can be done at a time through UPI123Pay. This limit was earlier ₹5,000. This change is especially beneficial for those who use feature phones.
The purpose of this change is to make digital payments more accessible. This will be especially beneficial for people living in rural areas and senior citizens. Now they will be able to do big transactions without any hassle.
Changes in UPI Lite also
The limit of UPI Lite has also been increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000. This will make small transactions easier. This will benefit daily shoppers and small traders.
2. Change in pension rules: EPFO Pension Withdrawal Simplified
EPFO pensioners can now withdraw pension from any bank’s ATM. This facility has been launched under the Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS). This will benefit 78 lakh pensioners.
Benefits of CPPS
- Pensioners no longer have to depend on any particular bank branch to receive their pension.
- There will be no hindrance in receiving pension even if you change place or change bank.
- This system will make pension payment faster and secure.
3. Increase in vehicle prices: Automobile Price Hike
Car prices are set to increase by 2-4% from January 2025. Big companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra have taken this step.
due to price increase
- Increase in manufacturing costs
- Increase in operational expenses
- Adherence to new safety standards
This increase will be applicable to all types of vehicles from small hatchback to luxury models. However, companies are also offering various offers and discounts to attract customers.
4. Loan relief for farmers: Farmer Loan Reforms
Now farmers can take loan up to ₹ 2 lakh without guarantee. Earlier this limit was ₹1.6 lakh. This change is very beneficial for small and marginal farmers.
Benefits of the new rule
- Farmers will get easy loans
- Will help in countering rising input costs
- agricultural productivity will increase
- Rural economy will get a boost
This step is expected to improve the economic condition of farmers. Besides, this step will also promote investment in the agriculture sector.
5. Visa Rule Changes: Visa Rule Changes
Thailand e-Visa System
Thailand has started e-Visa facility for tourists coming to its country. Now Indian citizens can stay in Thailand without visa for 60 days.
US visa rules
America has changed the rules for visa appointment rescheduling. Now applicants can reschedule the appointment only once without any additional charges.
6. Health Insurance for Senior Citizens: Senior Citizen Health Insurance
The government has decided to provide health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all senior citizens above 70 years of age.
Main points of the plan
- About 4.5 crore families will get benefits
- 6 crore senior citizens will be covered
- There is no income limit
- 70+ members of families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get additional top-up cover
This step will help in reducing healthcare expenses of senior citizens and improve their quality of life.
conclusion
These changes will prove beneficial for the citizens of India in many ways. Digital payments and reforms in pension rules will provide relief to senior citizens and people in rural areas. Loan relief for farmers and changes in visa rules will also have a positive impact.
However, the increase in car prices may cause problems to some people. But overall, these changes have been made to boost the country’s economy and improve the living standards of the people.
The government believes that these changes will help in achieving the goal of Digital India and Self-reliant India. Also, these changes are a New Year gift to senior citizens, farmers and the general public.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information received from various sources. Although all the information given herein is believed to be correct, readers are requested to verify from the concerned government department or authorized sources before availing the benefits of any rule or scheme. Government rules and schemes may change from time to time.