EPFO

A debate on India's economic growth numbers features BJP National Spokesperson Sanju Verma and Congress National Spokesperson Brajesh Kalappa. Defending the official 7.8% real GDP growth figure for Q1 FY27, Sanju Verma dismissed claims by former finance secretary Subhash Garg regarding a 2.6% growth rate, arguing that comparing new series data with old series data is misleading. She cited strong economic indicators, including a 23.4% rise in capital expenditure, robust auto sales, credit expansion, and rising GST collections. In response, Brajesh Kalappa questioned the credibility of the numbers, pointing to negative stock market reactions, rising unemployment, falling purchasing power, and stagnant job creation. Kalappa also challenged the rationale behind changing GDP calculation parameters and questioned why public advisories against spending on gold or foreign travel were being issued if the economy was booming. The discussion concluded with heated exchanges over base year revisions, international credit ratings, and political commentary surrounding India's economic performance.

This edition of 5 Live covers major national and global developments, starting with a massive political crisis for Uddhav Thackeray. Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting in Delhi, sparking speculation of a fresh rebellion and a potential switch to the Eknath Shinde faction.

In this special report, former Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha joins Maria Shakil to decode the health of the Indian economy ahead of Budget 2026. Sinha hails the recently signed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement as the 'mother of all deals', predicting it will significantly boost employment in sectors like textiles. He provides a detailed breakdown of India's GDP, noting that the private sector accounts for two-thirds of economic activity. Sinha outlines the vision for 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, explaining how the income pyramid is shifting as more households move from the 'Aam Janata' category into the middle and global classes. Addressing concerns over jobless growth, he cites stable unemployment rates and rising EPFO subscriptions as evidence of formalisation. Sinha also discusses the impact of AI and the necessity of increasing productivity to compete with global economies like China and the United States.

The top focus of this episode of 5 Live is on the Supreme Court's decision to permit certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali.

This special report investigates the Supreme Court's decision to permit certified green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali, a ruling made amidst existing air quality concerns and the implementation of GRAP-1 measures. India Today's Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor moderates a debate featuring activist Sujata Pandey, environmentalist Vimlendu Jha, and Bhavreen Kandhari, discussing the bench's ruling led by CJI B.R. Gavai. The discussion addresses perspectives on faith versus selective activism and evaluates whether the decision offers a pragmatic solution to illegal cracker smuggling or presents a public health risk. The program details green cracker specifications, enforcement challenges, and the conflict between celebration rights and the right to clean air in the capital. Environmentalist Vimlendu Jha commented on the Supreme Court's approach to balancing interests. The report further covers Delhi's air pollution situation, including contributing factors like industrial and vehicular emissions, and the Delhi government's proposed cloud seeding or artificial rain initiative. Additionally, the program explains recent updates to Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rules, outlining conditions for withdrawing up to 100% of the PF balance.

This special report unpacks the major changes to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) withdrawal rules, featuring insights from financial expert Shruthi Mahajan. When asked about the changes, Mahajan stated, 'there are new regulations that are very, very pro-employees only.' The discussion clarifies the significant confusion around these new policies, explaining that while 100% withdrawal is now permitted under certain conditions, there are nuances. For instance, in case of unemployment, a member can withdraw 75% of their PF balance after one month of joblessness, but a 12-month wait is required for a final settlement. The segment also details the simplified, online process for advance withdrawals for essential needs like medical emergencies, education, and marriage, and the updated procedures for nominees to claim funds.

This special report from Business Today TV details significant reforms by the EPFO's Central Board of Trustees, affecting over 7 crore subscribers. The Central Board of Trustees of EPF organization has announced major steps to benefit over 7 crore subscribers of the scheme. Key changes include merging 13 partial withdrawal categories into three streamlined options for essential needs, housing, and special circumstances. While withdrawal limits for education and marriage have been increased, a new rule locks 25% of the PF balance to safeguard retirement savings. The timeline for full withdrawal after a job loss has been extended from two to twelve months, and final pension withdrawal is now only possible 36 months after retirement. Additionally, a 'Vishwas Scheme' has been launched to reduce litigation over penal damages, and pensioners can now get digital life certificates at their doorstep for free via a partnership with the postal department.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in Budget 2024-25, announced one-month wages for all people newly entering the workplace in all formal sectors. Direct Benefit Transfer of one month salary in three instalments to first-time employees as registered in the EPFO will be up to Rs 15,000. 

From a new income tax regime, to no LTCG benefit on debt mutual funds, India will see nine major direct tax changes from April 1.