New norms for issuance of PAN card requiring verification of original documents have been put on hold with the Finance Ministry today announcing that the existing procedure will continue.
In the meantime, it added, the old procedure of PAN application and allotment "shall continue".
The Ministry, however, did not give reasons for keeping the proposed norms on hold.
Currently, a PAN applicant has to just submit photo copies of documents required. The originals are
The new norms were to come into force from February 3. Under the proposed procedure, copies of proof of identity, address and date of birth attached with PAN application forms were to be checked against original documents when applications were to be submitted at PAN facilitation centres.
The original documents would be returned to applicants immediately after verification.
PAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued in the form of a laminated card by the Income Tax department to any person or entity applying for it or to whom the department has allotted a number without an application.
Officials in the Income Tax department said that the cost of obtaining a PAN card, under the proposed norms, after rounding off has been fixed at Rs 105, including taxes.
The new procedure notified by the Income Tax department for obtaining a PAN card, is expected to eliminate the problem of fake and multiple cards.
In a first, life term for 6 accused in fake currency case
SC orders Jayalalithaa's prosecution in I-T case
US Fed taper knocks down markets to 2-month lows
Fed taper: India to ensure financial stability
10 lip-smacking Chinese recipes you'll totally love!