In a significant step aimed at enhancing transparency and improving data verification processes, the Government of Goa has issued a circular on April 17th, 2025, which mandates the compulsory collection of Permanent Account Number (PAN) in all applications for registrations, licenses, and permissions across various Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Local Bodies, and Autonomous Bodies.
The new directive stipulates that PAN must be included as a mandatory field in all application forms related to the issuance or renewal of any such documents under the applicable Acts and Rules. For registrations and licenses that do not require renewal, the concerned authorities must ensure that PAN details are collected within three months from the date of the circular.
The circular outlines three key directives that all concerned departments must adhere to:
- PAN Inclusion in Application Forms: All application formats, checklists, and prescribed forms must be revised within six months to include PAN as a mandatory field for data submission.
- Amendment of Relevant Legal Frameworks: The relevant Acts, Rules, and Regulations must be amended to ensure that the PAN requirement is legally enforceable across the board.
- Development of System-based Cross-verification Mechanisms: Government departments must establish system-based mechanisms to enable seamless cross-verification of PAN data across different government platforms to ensure authenticity and consistency.
As part of the compliance procedure, all government departments have been instructed to take immediate action and submit a report on their adherence to these guidelines within six months.
This initiative is a crucial step towards promoting digitized governance and bolstering accountability within the administrative system of Goa. By implementing this PAN requirement, the state government aims to streamline processes, minimize fraud, and enhance overall efficiency in public administration.