Of Aadhaar & PAN

The recent budget announcement related to quoting of Aadhaar interchangeability in lieu of PAN card may evoke a mixed response amidst the existing confusions. Salaried tax payers are under immense pressure to ‘honestly’ file income tax returns every year notwithstanding confusions to link Aadhaar with PAN. Also the rule that Aadhaar may be quoted in the absence of a PAN is unclear as it may set a precedent of not adhering to mandatory quoting PAN card details.

While the move has been made to ease the tax compliance burden, confirming to Aadhaar validation for all necessary services is debatable, post the Supreme Court verdict making Aadhaar a voluntary option to citizens. An another sop ‘Aadhaar on Arrival’ to NRIs with Indian passports whilst equating the same similar to a visa service is notable, with a primary intent to attract key investments to the economy.

Varun Dambal,

72, 1st Block,

Nagarbhavi,

Bangalore-72.