MM TAX CLUB

GST Network (GSTN) has announced that the Annual Return (GSTR-9) and Reconciliation Statement (GSTR-9C) for the Financial Year 2024-25 have been enabled on the GST portal effective from October 12, 2025.

Taxpayers are advised to ensure that all periodic returns — GSTR-1 and GSTR-3B — for FY 2024-25 are filed before proceeding to access and file GSTR-9/9C. Non-filing of these returns may restrict the availability of the Annual Return tile on the portal.

Additionally, GSTN has informed that a comprehensive FAQ and filing guide will be released shortly to help taxpayers navigate the annual return and reconciliation filing process smoothly.

Key Takeaway:
Start reviewing your FY 2024-25 data early, reconcile your books, and ensure all monthly/quarterly returns are filed to avoid last-minute rush or discrepancies.

Nearly 5,000 Drivers to Benefit from India’s First-of-its-Kind Model

In a landmark move to strengthen the social security net for gig and informal workers, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched the National Pension System (NPS) for Goa’s driver community in partnership with GoaMiles and HDFC Pension Fund (PoP).

The initiative was inaugurated at a special event held in Panjim on 30th September 2025, in the presence of the Transport Minister of Goa, Shri Mauvin Godinho. The scheme will extend structured retirement planning to nearly 5,000 drivers associated with the GoaMiles platform — making it a first-of-its-kind model in India.

At the launch event, 50 Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRANs) were symbolically distributed to drivers, marking the beginning of this impactful initiative. GoaMiles will also make contributions to each of its mobility partners’ NPS accounts, ensuring long-term financial security for its drivers.

Drivers — The Brand Ambassadors of Goa

Speaking at the launch, Shri Mauvin Godinho, Transport Minister of Goa, expressed gratitude to PFRDA and GoaMiles for their joint effort in empowering the state’s driver community.

He said,

“The drivers of Goa are not just service providers — they are the brand ambassadors of our state, representing our hospitality, culture, and values to every visitor. Goa, though India’s smallest state, has always led by example, and this initiative perfectly aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.”

He added that Goa will continue to take the lead in people-centric reforms that bring inclusivity and financial dignity to every segment of society.

“Let’s Grow Rich Before We Grow Old” — PFRDA Chairperson

Shri S. Ramann, Chairman, PFRDA, highlighted the importance of financial discipline and early savings.

“Let’s grow rich before we grow old. The power of compounding is real—and when tapped into early, even modest savings can grow into a substantial and dignified retirement corpus,” he said.
“NPS is designed to give every Indian a structured, inclusive, and long-term savings platform.”

GoaMiles and HDFC Pension Fund Join Hands for Financial Security

Sriram Iyer, MD & CEO, HDFC Pension Fund, shared his enthusiasm for being part of the initiative:

“We are pleased to partner with GoaMiles to secure the future for their ‘Kaptaans’. Retirement planning is essential for all, and we’re proud to contribute to a financially secure future for India’s workforce.”

Adding to this, Shri Utkarsh Dabhade, CEO of GoaMiles, emphasized that GoaMiles has always focused on empowering its drivers through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

“By extending NPS, we’re ensuring our drivers enjoy long-term financial dignity while continuing to represent Goa’s warmth and hospitality. GoaMiles will contribute to the NPS accounts of all our 5,000 mobility partners,” he said.

Towards “Every Profession, One Pension”

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Sumit Kumar, Chief General Manager, PFRDA, who appreciated the Government of Goa, GoaMiles, HDFC Pension Fund, and the driver community for making this pioneering initiative possible.

With this launch, PFRDA takes another strong step towards its vision of “Every Profession, One Pension”, spreading the message that —

“NPS Zaruri Hai.”

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has rolled out its Special Campaign 5.0 from 2nd October 2025, marking another milestone in its efforts to institutionalize cleanliness, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance.

In true spirit of Swachhata, DFS has set an ambitious target — to clean over 40,000 sites across the country during this campaign. The drive not only emphasizes cleanliness in physical spaces but also aims to improve digital and administrative efficiency across financial institutions.

At the launch, Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, personally visited various sections of the department to review cleanliness and pendency of files. He urged officers and staff to adopt digitalization of physical records and find innovative ways to optimize resources while maintaining hygiene in office premises.

???? Key Highlights of Special Campaign 5.0

• Mass Cleanliness Drive: DFS will oversee the cleaning of 40,000+ sites nationwide.

• Digital Transformation: Emphasis on reducing pendency through file digitalization and smart record management.

• E-Waste Disposal: Focus on safe and responsible disposal of e-waste to promote sustainability.

• Financial Sector Reforms: Targeted actions like updating dormant accounts, renewing locker agreements, claim settlements, pension grievance redressal, and updating account nominations.

• Cyber Awareness: Conducting special sessions to educate citizens about cybercrime prevention and digital arrest scams.

• Customer-Centric Improvements: Encouraging banks and financial institutions to install water dispensers, improve waiting areas for senior citizens, and build ramps for Divyangjans.

To ensure smooth coordination, DFS has already appointed Nodal Officers and updated all activities on the Special Campaign Digital Progress Monitoring (SCDPM) Portal.

The campaign’s message is clear — clean surroundings, cleaner records, and cleaner governance. Through this initiative, DFS continues to set an example of how cleanliness and efficiency can go hand in hand with citizen welfare and financial inclusion.

Stay tuned to DFS’s social media handles for more updates and success stories under #SpecialCampaign5 and #SwachhataHiSeva.

Gandhinagar, October 4, 2025:
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman today launched the nationwide financial awareness campaign “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The initiative aims to help citizens trace and reclaim their unclaimed financial assets—including deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, mutual fund balances, and pensions—that often remain forgotten in various financial institutions.

???? A Campaign with a Message of Trust and Empowerment

While launching the campaign, the Finance Minister emphasized that “Unclaimed deposits are not mere entries on paper; they represent the hard-earned savings of ordinary families.”
She highlighted that these funds can make a real difference in people’s lives—supporting education, healthcare, and financial security.

Smt. Sitharaman outlined the “3As Strategy” — Awareness, Accessibility, and Action — as the guiding framework for this campaign:

• Awareness – Informing citizens on how to identify and claim unclaimed assets.

• Accessibility – Simplifying processes through digital tools and district-level outreach.

• Action – Ensuring time-bound, transparent, and fair claim settlements.

“These three pillars,” she said, “will bridge the gap between citizens and financial institutions, ensuring that every rupee returns to its rightful owner.”

???? Bringing Institutions and Citizens Closer

The Finance Minister acknowledged the efforts of regional rural banks like Gujarat Gramin Bank and other financial institutions for their proactive participation in KYC and re-KYC drives. Such initiatives, she noted, have strengthened the link between citizens and the formal financial system — a foundation on which this new campaign will build further.

Smt. Sitharaman also handed over certificates to beneficiaries who successfully reclaimed their unclaimed deposits, symbolizing the real impact this campaign aims to create across the nation.

???? Voices of Support

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, in his message, praised the initiative as a collective effort to strengthen public trust, dignity, and empowerment.
He encouraged citizens to take part actively, highlighting that the campaign is not only about money but also about restoring people’s connection to their financial rights.

State Finance Minister of Gujarat, Shri Kanubhai Desai, expressed pride in the campaign being launched from Gujarat and assured full state support. “Unclaimed deposits,” he said, “are useful for education, empowerment, and meeting essential financial needs.”

Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Shri M. Nagaraju, shared key figures to underline the scale of unclaimed funds:

• Over ₹75,000 crore of unclaimed deposits have been transferred to RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness Fund.

• ₹13,800 crore in unclaimed insurance proceeds.

• ₹3,000 crore in unclaimed mutual fund balances.

• ₹9,000 crore in unpaid dividends.

• Around 172 crore shares transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund.

He stressed the need for quick and fair claim processing, ensuring that citizens “walk away with clarity and confidence.”

???? Reaching Every Citizen, in Every District

From October to December 2025, the campaign will cover all districts across India.
Digital demonstrations and local helpdesks will be set up to guide people through the process of tracing and claiming their assets.

The campaign is being coordinated by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with:

• RBI (Reserve Bank of India)

• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)

• IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India)

• PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority)

• IEPFA (Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority)
  along with banks, insurance companies, mutual fund houses, and pension institutions.

???? A Step Toward Meaningful Financial Inclusion

This initiative builds on India’s major financial inclusion reforms—Jan Dhan Yojana, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfers—by ensuring that citizens not only gain access to financial services but also reclaim what rightfully belongs to them.

With “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार,” the Government of India reaffirms its vision of a transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centric financial system, where every household can access, manage, and benefit from its rightful wealth.