Since 1 February 2025, the Government of India has introduced 10 new free facilities for the general public. These facilities will directly benefit banking, education, health, farmers and middle class. These include UPI limit hike, pension withdrawal discount, loan without guarantee for farmers and new rules of mobile recharge.
The main objective of the government is to provide financial relief to Digital India, farmer welfare and common man. Here we will tell you how to get details, eligibility and benefit of every facility.
Overview of 10 free facilities applicable from 1 February 2025
In the table below, you will get a summary of these 10 facilities:
| Facility | Details |
| UPI border growth | Transaction up to ₹ 10,000 from feature phone |
| Kisan Credit Card | Loan up to ₹ 2.5 lakh without guarantee |
| Pension withdrawal | Facility to remove pension from any bank |
| Mobile recharge | Different plans for calling only |
| Foreign university | Foreign degree studies in India |
| Fire reservation | 10% seats in CISF/BSF |
| ITR deadline expansion | Exemption to fill ITR by 15 January |
| Ayushman Bharat Expansion | Gig workers free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh |
| Cancer Care Center | Day Care Unit in all district hospitals |
| Tax free income | No tax on income up to ₹ 12 lakh |
1. UPI Limit Increase: Big relief for feature phone users
What is the new facility?
From February 1, the Limit of UPI 123 Pay has been increased from ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 10,000 for the feature phone (without internet). This limit in medical emergency is up to ₹ 1 lakh.
How will you get benefit?
- Update the UPI app in your feature phone.
- You can add 5 people to an UPI account.
- You can do transactions up to ₹ 15,000 in a month.
Eligibility: All Indian citizens who have bank account and mobile number links.
2. Kisan Credit Card (KCC): Without guarantee loan
Main point:
- Farmers will now be able to take a loan of up to ₹ 2.5 lakh without bail.
- The interest rate was just 4% annually (earlier this limit was ₹ 1.6 lakh).
How to take advantage:
- Contact your nearest bank or agricultural service center.
- Show land papers and Aadhaar cards.
- The loan will be approved within 7 days.
3. New facility for pensioners
The government has allowed pensioners to extract pension from any bank. Key benefits:
- No additional verification on changing banks.
- 50% of the pension can be extracted from ATM.
- The last date for submission of digital life certificate was extended to 31 March 2025.
4. Changes in mobile recharge: cheap calling
According to the new TRAI rules, now you:
- Only separate recharge packs can be purchased for calling.
- Internet and calling packs will be found separately.
- Basic plan of ₹ 50 per month available in rural areas.
Benefits users: Those who only call can save ₹ 100 per month.
5. Foreign Universitys in India
Highlights:
- Now universities like Harvard, Oxford with institutions like IIT and IIM will be able to open campuses in India.
- The fees will be 50% less than abroad.
- Students will get a chance to study from international faculty.
Application Process: Check courses from UGC website.
6. 10% reservation to Agnivirs
For former firefighters in CISF and BSF:
- 10% seats reserved.
- Exemption in Physical Test and Edge Limit.
- Eligibility: Candidates have completed 4 years of service in Agniveer Scheme.
7. ITR Deadline Extension: Fill the return by 15 January
The Income Tax Department has extended the last date to file ITR for fY 2024-25 till 15 January 2025. The late fee is up to ₹ 5,000.
Take care:
- Those with annual income of up to ₹ 12 lakh have no tax ([Budget 2025] According to).
- Rebate up to ₹ 75,000 to those who choose new tax regim.
8. Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Benefits Gig Workers
Coverage: Delivery Partners of platforms like Swiggy, Jomato, Ola now under Ayushman Card:
- Free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh.
- Cashless treatment of cancer and heart diseases.
How to make Ayushman Card?
- PMJay Go to
- Register with mobile number and Aadhaar card.
9. Day Care Cancer Cancers
The government has announced that:
- 200 new cancer centers will be built in 2025-26.
- This facility will be available in all district hospitals in 3 years.
- Chemotherapy and radiation facilities for patients free.
10. Tax-free income. Up to 12 lakhs
According to Budget 2025:
- There is no tax on income up to ₹ 12 lakh in the new tax regim.
- Interest exemption on FD for Senior Citizens up to ₹ 60,000.
Calculate tax:
- If your annual income is ₹ 10 lakh, then tax ₹ 0.
- Only ₹ 30,000 tax on earning ₹ 15 lakh.
How to take advantage of these facilities?
- Keep the documents ready: Aadhaar card, PAN card, bank passbook.
- Register on online portal: like [NPS], [PMJAY], [UPI Apps],
- Government Helpline Number: 1800-180-1100 (from 8 am to 8 in the morning).
Real truth of plans (disclaimer)
The central government has launched these facilities in the public interest, but keep some things in mind:
- UPI Limit Increase is only for feature phones. The limit of smartphone users is the same (₹ 1 lakh).
- It is necessary to have a KCC card for a farmer loan.
- Check the information of mobile plan from the website of the telecom company.
Always trust the official website or newspapers for real information of government schemes. This article has been prepared on the basis of government notification and budget 2025. Before taking advantage of any facility, please confirm from the concerned department.
