Government has given nod to the project to merge Aadhaar and PAN databases in order to weed out the problem of fake PAN cards and to ensure an accurate biometric data.
The Nandan Nilekani-led Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues the Aadhaar number will be synchronised with the Permanent Account Number database maintained by the I-T department.
According to finance ministry while the Aadhaar will ensure effective disbursal of government schemes to citizens, the biometric PAN card database will help stop the forgery of PAN cards which begets economic crimes.
The PAN card-Aadhaar card is being developed as a national identifier document by the government. “It is being integrated for ensuring implementation of schemes and creating an effective enforcement tool against financial offences like tax evasion and money laundering,” said finance ministry official.
It was in 2006 that finance ministry has first floated the idea to issue PAN in 2006. It was then proposed then that the biometric PAN cards would have the I-T assesses’ fingerprints from both hands and the face.
However, the decision was kept pending as it was felt that both the agencies (UIDAI and I-T) would be
duplicating the effort to reach a common goal — biometrics-based identity.
“The entire effort to have a biometric PAN card was to avoid duplication and stop fraudulent practices
by tax evaders and antinationals and now with the delivery of the UID number it has achieved the same
purpose, the official added,” said officials.
Aadhaar card composes of twelve digit unique identification numbers is used to identify the people. Once the people do their registration they would become capable to enjoy different schemes. The card is of high importance to the people and especially to the people of below poverty line.
Pan Card is majorly used for the carrying out the banking transaction. The tax department has laid the
people with the PAN card such that it could be used for the identification purpose.
While the banking transactions are performed then it would fulfil the identification requirements.