GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4430
(ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025)
AMENDMENT IN CENTRAL CIVIL SERVICES (LEAVE) RULES, 1972
†4430. SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 have been amended to align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has increased the child education allowance for the children with disabilities;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of various other benefits being provided to Government employees with benchmark disabilities?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (e): Rule 7, 12, 14, 19 & 20 of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 have been amended to align with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 vide Notification dated 03.04.2018. Further an OM dated 17.07.2018 was issued clarifying the applicability of Rule 20 of the CCS (Leave) Rules, 1972 to the notification.
The reimbursement of Children Education Allowance (CEA) for Divyaang Children has been set at ₹4500/- per month which is double the prescribed normal rates of CEA vide issue of Office Memorandum dated 17 July 2018. The rates are further revised from ₹4500/- to ₹5625/- per month.
So far Other benefits related to Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 is concerned, the Government employees with benchmark disabilities are provided with four days of Special Casual Leave; Special Allowance of Rs. 3,000 per month is provided to the Women Government Servant with disabilities for Child Care from the time of birth of child till the child is two years old.
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PRESS RELEASE DATED 29.08.2025 BY LABOUR BUREAU: -
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
LABOUR BUREAU
F.No. 5/1/2021-CPI
Shram Bureau Bhawan, Block No. 2,
Institutional Area, Sector 38 (West),
Chandigarh – 160036
Dated: 29.08.2025
Press Release
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (2016=100) – July, 2025
1. Labour Bureau, an attached office of the M/o Labour & Employment, has been compiling Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers every month on the basis of retail prices collected from 317 markets spread over 88 industrially important centres in the country. The index for the month of July, 2025 is being released in this press release.
2. The All-India CPI-IW for July, 2025 increased by 1.5 point and stood at 146.5 (one hundred forty-six point five).
3. Year-on-year inflation for the month of July, 2025 stood at 2.66% as compared to 2.15% in July, 2024.
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SPECIAL MATERNITY LEAVE IN CASES OF STILLBIRTH OR DEATH OF A CHILD SOON AFTER BIRTH FOR WOMEN EMPLOYEES: LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4539 ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4539
(ANSWERED ON 20.08.2025)
SPECIAL MATERNITY LEAVE
4539. SHRI VISHWESHWAR HEGDE KAGERI:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has made provisions for special maternity leave in cases of stillbirth or death of a child soon after birth for women employees;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is a provision for Special Casual Leave for Government employees donating organs; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a) to (d): Considering the potential emotional trauma caused due to stillbirth or death of a child soon after birth which has a far reaching impact on the life of mother, this Department on 2nd September 2022 made a provision to provide 60 days of Special Maternity Leave to a female Central Government employees, in such cases.
In recognition of the noble and selfless act of donating an organ to save or improve another human life, and with the aim of encouraging organ donation among Central Government employees, Special Casual Leave is provided by issue of orders on 25th April, 2023 by this Department so that a maximum of 42 days of Special Casual Leave can be granted to a Central Government servant for donating an organ. This is extended as a special welfare measure in the larger public interest.
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TAX RELIEF TO SENIOR CITIZENS OF AGE 70 BY EXEMPTIONS CEILING TO 25 LAKHS – NO PLAN UNDER CONSIDERATION AT PRESENT: CLARIFICATION BY FINMIN IN LOK SABHA IN REPLY OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 345 ANSWERED ON 18.08.2025
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. *345
TO BE ANSWERED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2025/SRAVANA 27, 1947 (SAKA)
TAX RELIEF TO SENIOR CITIZENS
*345. Shri T R Baalu:
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has any plans to grant further tax reliefs to the senior citizens of age 70 and above by enhancing the income-tax exemptions ceiling to Rs. 25 lakhs;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details of income-tax collected from senior citizens above 70 years during the last five years?
ANSWER
THE FINANCE MINISTER
(SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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Statement referred in reply to parts (a) to (c) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. *345 to be answered on 18.08.2025 regarding Tax Relief to Senior Citizens by Shri T R Baalu:
(a) No. There is no such plan under consideration at present.
(b) Under the Income-tax Act, 1961, a number of reliefs have already been provided to the senior citizens. It is the stated policy of the Government to reduce the tax rates while removing exemptions and deductions. Accordingly, new tax regime with liberal slabs, lower rates and higher rebates has been put in place effective from previous year starting from 1.4.2025. Further, any matter relating to tax rates or relief is decided during regular budgetary exercise and outcome of same is reflected in the respective Finance Act.
(c) The details of income-tax collected from senior citizens above 70 years during the last five years are as under:
Sl. No. Assessment Year (A.Y.) Tax Collected (in Rs. Crores)
1. 2020-21 25,969.63
2. 2021-22 28,090.77
3. 2022-23 39,537.42
4. 2023-24 48,152.79
5. 2024-25 61,624.23
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OLD PENSION SCHEME FOR PSUS AND PSBS SIMILARLY TO GOVT. EMPLOYEES WHOSE RECRUITMENT PROCESS INITIATED BEFORE 1 JANUARY 2004: LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3657 ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
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LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3657
ANSWERED ON MONDAY, 11 AUGUST, 2025/ SRAVANA 20, 1947 (SAKA)
OLD PENSION SCHEME FOR PSUS AND PSBS
3657. DR. DHARAMVIRA GANDHI
Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has decided to extend the benefit of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) to those Government employees whose appointment was made after 1 January 2004, but whose recruitment process/advertisement was initiated before 1 January 2004, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to implement similar comprehensive provisions for employees of public sector undertakings and Public Sector Banks; and
(c) whether the Government ensures that all the employees of the State Bank of India whose recruitment process (such as advertisement or examination) was conducted before 1 August 2010, but whose appointments were delayed due to unavoidable circumstances and took place after 1 August 2010 are also included in the Old Pension?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR FINANCE
(SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY)
(a) & (b) In light of various Court judgments, the Government had issued instructions vide OM No. 57/05/2021-P&PW(B) dated 03.03.2023, giving one-time option to those Central Government civil employees for inclusion under the CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 (now 2021) who have been appointed against the posts or vacancies which were advertised/notified for recruitment/appointment prior to date of issuing of notification of National Pension System i.e. 22.12.2003. Further, there is no such proposal under consideration in Ministry of Finance for Public Sector Undertakings and Public Sector Banks.
(c) As per the State Bank of India Employees’ Pension Fund Regulations, 2014, the old pension will not be applicable to those who joined the services of SBI on or after 01.08.2010.
Ministry of Communications
BSNL is extending its “Freedom Plan” by 15 Days
Posted On: 01 SEP 2025 1:42PM by PIB Delhi
BSNL, is extending its “Freedom Plan” by 15 days, in view of the overwhelming customer response. Launched on August 1 at a token ₹1, the offer provides complimentary 4G mobile services for 30 days to new activations. Originally available for activations up to 31 August 2025, the offer window is now extended through 15 September 2025.
Plan benefits (Freedom Plan):
- Unlimited voice calls (as per plan T&C)
- 2 GB/day high-speed data
- 100 SMS/day
- Free SIM (KYC as per DoT guidelines)
Announcing the extension, Shri A. Robert J. Ravi, CMD, BSNL, said:
“BSNL has recently deployed a Make-in-India, state-of-the-art 4G mobile network across the country, advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The Freedom Plan—absolutely free of service charges for the first 30 days—gives customers a proud opportunity to experience our indigenously developed 4G network. We’re confident that the service quality, coverage, and the trust associated with the BSNL brand will encourage customers to stay with us well beyond the introductory period.”
How to get the Freedom Plan
- Visit the nearest BSNL Customer Service Centre (CSC) (carry valid KYC documents).
- Request the Freedom Plan (₹1 activation); complete KYC and collect your free SIM.
- Insert the SIM and complete activation as guided; your 30-day complimentary benefits start from the date of activation.
- For assistance, call 1800-180-1503 or visit bsnl.co.in.
(Release ID: 2162612)
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Ministry of Communications
India Post Payments Bank Celebrates 8th Foundation Day (IPPB Day)
Posted On: 01 SEP 2025 2:53PM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi, September 1, 2025:
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) today celebrated its 8th Foundation Day, known as IPPB Day, marking another milestone of transforming the banking landscape by delivering inclusive, accessible, and affordable services at the last mile.
Since inception, IPPB has emerged as one of the largest financial inclusion initiatives globally, leveraging the unmatched reach of more than 1.64 lakh Post Offices and more than 1.90 lakh Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS). The Bank has successfully on-boarded over 12 crore customers, processed billions of digital transactions, and enabled doorstep banking services in rural, semi-urban, and remote regions.
Recent innovations have further strengthened IPPB’s portfolio. The Bank has expanded into end-to-end DBT disbursements, pension payments, credit facilitation through referral tie-ups and insurance & investment products in collaboration with partner institutions. New offerings like DigiSmart (Digital Savings Accounts), Premium Aarogya Savings Account (Bank Account with Healthcare Benefits), Aadhaar-based Face Authentication has added newer dimensions of customer convenience and on-demand availability of digital banking services. The RuPay Virtual Debit Card, AePS (Aadhaar-enabled Payment Services), cross-border remittances, and Bharat BillPay integration had already made IPPB a truly comprehensive financial services provider at the grassroots.
Ms. Vandita Kaul, Chairman, IPPB, said “IPPB has demonstrated that financial inclusion is not just a vision but a deliverable reality. With our unique model of postal banking, we have empowered millions of Indians, particularly in rural and underserved regions, by taking banking to their doorsteps. Our journey sets a global benchmark for last-mile financial service delivery. This 8th Foundation Day is even more special as IPPB has crossed the 12 Crore Customer milestone.”
Shri R. Viswesvaran, MD & CEO, IPPB, added, “On our 8th Foundation Day, we reflect with pride on IPPB’s role in reshaping access to financial services for over 12 crore customers. Our Postmen and GDS have become bankers for the common citizen, enabling transactions worth lakhs of crores right at people’s doorsteps. With the addition of digital payments and various customer-centric services, we are building a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem. The future of banking is at the last mile, and IPPB is leading that change.”
Over the past years, IPPB has not only enhanced the everyday lives of citizens but also strengthened the visibility and impact of the Department of Posts, both in India and globally. By integrating trust, technology, and reach, IPPB continues to redefine how a bank can serve as a true enabler of social and economic transformation.
On this milestone day, IPPB reaffirmed its commitment to continue shaping India’s financial inclusion journey and building a future where “every Indian has access to banking – anytime, anywhere, at their doorstep.
About India Post Payments Bank
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100% equity owned by Government of India. IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018. The bank has been set up with the vision to build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man in India. The fundamental mandate of India Post Payments Bank is to remove barriers for the unbanked & underbanked and reach the last mile leveraging the Postal network comprising ~1,65,000 Post Offices (~140,000 in rural areas) and ~3,00,000 Postal employees.
IPPB’s reach and its operating model is built on the key pillars of India Stack - enabling Paperless, Cashless and Presence-less banking in a simple and secure manner at the customers' doorstep, through a CBS-integrated smartphone and biometric device. Leveraging frugal innovation and with a high focus on ease of banking for the masses, IPPB delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13 languages to 11 Crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages & towns in India.
IPPB is committed to provide a fillip to a less cash economy and contribute to the vision of Digital India. India will prosper when every citizen will have equal opportunity to become financially secure and empowered. Our motto stands true - Every customer is important, every transaction is significant and every deposit is valuable.
Reach us at:
www.ippbonline.com; marketing@ippbonline.in
Social Media Handles:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/IPPBOnline
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ippbonline
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/india-post-paymentsbank
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ippbonline
YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@IndiaPostPaymentsBank
(Release ID: 2162639)
