Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai. Starting October 1, the Aadhaar enrolment number will no longer be accepted for PAN application or income tax return filing. Applicants will now need to provide their Aadhaar number. This change ends the facility that has been available since 2017, which allowed PAN creation based on the Aadhaar enrolment number.

Reason for the Change

The government cited the potential for generating multiple PANs from a single Aadhaar enrolment ID as the reason for the change. Additionally, the government noted the widespread coverage of Aadhaar, with nearly all residents of India possessing an Aadhaar number. Aadhaar is recognized as the world's largest biometric ID system, with World Bank Chief Economist Paul Romer calling it "the most sophisticated ID program in the world." Unlike the United States' Social Security Number, Aadhaar has broader usage but less security. It serves as an identity card, not as a certificate of citizenship.

Difference Between Aadhaar Enrolment ID and Aadhaar Number

Aadhaar Number: A 12-digit individual identification number serving as proof of identity and address.

Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID): A 14-digit number given to applicants during the Aadhaar card application process. The Aadhaar number appears at the bottom of the Aadhaar card, while the enrolment ID is on the top left side of the Aadhaar enrolment copy.

No Age Limit for PAN Card Application

Individuals of any age, as well as groups, trusts, LLPs, firms, or joint ventures, can apply for a PAN card without any age restrictions. Required documents include the application form, fee, two passport-size photographs, and proof of identity and residence. Acceptable documents for identity proof include Aadhaar card, voter ID card, and driving license, while Aadhaar, voter card, and government bank passbook can be used for residential address proof.

Background of UIDAI

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was established in January 2009 by the Government of India as an attached office under the Planning Commission through a Gazette of India notification. UIDAI was tasked with determining the plans and policies for implementing and operating the UID scheme.