Cabinet approves PAN 2.0 Project worth US$ 170.3 million (Rs. 1,435 crore); PAN cards to soon have QR codes

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, has approved the PAN 2.0 Project for the Income Tax Department with a financial outlay of US$ 170.3 million (Rs. 1,435 crore). Announced by Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw, the project will offer a free-of-cost upgrade to the Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, adding a QR code to enhance functionality. As part of this e-governance initiative, the project will re-engineer taxpayer registration services and upgrade the existing PAN/TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) ecosystem. It aims to streamline processes by consolidating core and non-core activities while overhauling the issuance and verification systems for a seamless digital experience.

Aligned with the government’s ‘Digital India’ vision, PAN 2.0 will enable faster, paperless, and cost-efficient services, leveraging a unified online portal for all transactions. It promotes eco-friendly practices, infrastructure optimisation, and enhanced data security, ensuring consistency and accessibility of taxpayer information. PAN will also serve as a Common Identifier across specified government agencies. The project emphasises improved grievance redressal mechanisms and data accuracy to curb tax evasion and expand the tax base. Existing PAN cards will remain valid, with upgrades, including QR codes, offered free to users.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.