The distribution of new-look PAN cards, being printed by NSDL and UTI ITSL (UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Ltd), started since 1 January. “The distribution of new PAN cards kicked off on 1 January. PAN cards are mandatory for any transaction above Rs2 lakh and for a lot of other activities like opening of a bank account and as identity proof. There are currently more than 25 crore PAN cardholders in the country. As per Government estimate, every year 2.5 crore people across the country apply for PAN cards.

Source: Mint January 14, 2017 05:09 UTC