PAN 2.0 Project: The aim of this decision of the government is to make PAN the main identifier in all digital systems of government agencies.
Cabinet Decision: PAN Card issued for identification of taxpayers will now be issued with QR Code so that the digital experience of taxpayers can be enhanced. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the launch of PAN 2.0 project. The purpose of this decision of the government is to use PAN as the main identifier in all digital systems of government agencies. The government will spend a total of Rs 1435 crore on this project.
PAN with QR code will be issued free of cost
The PAN 2.0 project will help in bringing about a big change in the registration services of taxpayers through technology. Taxpayers will get many types of benefits. In which they will be able to access services easily, delivery of services can be expedited, quality will improve, all information will be available at one place, data will be safe, eco-friendly process will help in reducing costs. PAN will be used as a common identifier for the digital systems of government agencies, which also matches the government’s vision of Digital India. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that in the PAN 2.0 project, new PAN cards with QR code will be issued free to taxpayers.
78 crore PANs have been issued
The PAN 2.0 project is an e-governance project to redesign the business process of taxpayers’ registration services through technology-driven transformation of PAN/TAN services for a better digital experience of taxpayers. The government said in its statement that it will be an advanced form of the existing PAN/TAN 1.0 framework which will also integrate PAN verification service with core and non-core PAN/TAN activities. So far, about 78 crore PANs have been issued in the country, out of which 98 percent PANs have been issued at the individual level.
What is PAN?
PAN number is a 10-digit alphanumeric identity card issued by the Income Tax Department. This card is issued to any person who applies for a PAN card. Through the PAN number, the Income Tax keeps an eye on the online or financial transactions of any person. Also, PAN is the most important identification card for doing all types of financial transactions in the country, just like Voter ID is for voting.
