Under the PAN CARD 2.0 initiative, the Indian Income Tax Department has updated the old version (PAN 1.0) of the PAN card. The new PAN card will be digital and incorporates several new security features aimed at preventing fraud and identity theft. The primary goal of PAN 2.0 is to make taxpayer identification simpler and more secure.
According to Electronics and IT Minister AShwini Vaishnaw, the security flaws in PAN 1.0 led to a rise in fraud and identity theft. The outdated software and system also caused problems. Now, these issues will be addressed with the new PAN card, which will be entirely digital. This means there will be no need for a physical PAN card anymore. Instead, it will be available in a digital format, making it harder to create fake PAN cards.
A key feature of PAN 2.0 is the inclusion of a QR code, which will securely hide the PAN holder’s name and PAN number. This QR code can be scanned using a smartphone or scanning device, making the verification process much easier.
Additionally, linking the PAN car with the Aadhaar card has been made mandatory. If you already have a PAN card, you will need to link it with your Aadhaar to update to the PAN 2.0. This will help in better identification of taxpayers and also assist in curbing income tax evasion.
Overall, the aim of PAN Card 2.0 is to make taxpayer identification more secure and trackable, providing greater transparency and organization in tax- related matters for the government.
Shashi Rai
