Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 17: In a significant move towards streamlining government processes and enhancing transparency, the Goa government has made it compulsory to submit a Permanent Account Number (PAN) for all licence and registration applications — including renewals — across departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), local bodies, and autonomous institutions.

The directive, issued via a circular by the state’s Finance Department on April 11, mandates that all departments amend their respective Acts, rules, and regulations to enforce the PAN requirement wherever applicable. The decision has been officially approved by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

“The government has resolved that PAN, issued by the Income Tax Department, will now be a mandatory field in every application related to the issuance or renewal of registrations, licences, and permissions under all applicable Acts,” stated Pranab Bhat, Under Secretary of Finance.

For licences or registrations that do not require renewal, the PAN information must still be collected within three months from the date of the circular's issuance.

Additionally, departments have been given six months to revise and update their official forms, checklists, and application formats to include PAN as a required field. They are also expected to develop robust digital systems that allow for seamless cross-verification of PAN data across government platforms.

Bhat emphasized the urgency of the matter, directing all departments to act promptly and file a compliance report with the Finance Department within six months.

This policy is seen as part of a broader effort to tighten regulatory controls, improve tax compliance, and create more efficient and accountable governance systems in Goa.