I understand your concern regarding the mandatory Aadhaar-PAN linking. As someone who does not currently file income tax returns, you may be wondering why this rule applies to you.
The government has made this linkage compulsory for all PAN card holders, regardless of their income tax paying status. The objective is not to monitor taxpayers alone but to create an integrated database of identities and financial transactions across the country.
Authorities want to prevent multiple PAN cards from being issued in the same name, which can be misused to hide income. Linking with Aadhaar, which has biometric details, helps establish genuine identities. It gives the government a consolidated view of people’s holdings and transactions even if taxes are not being evaded. This is expected to improve governance and economic analysis.
While this may seem unnecessary paperwork for non-taxpayers, the rule has been formed with the larger benefit of the country in mind. As a PAN card holder, consider it your contribution towards an improved, transparent system. It also avoids future inconveniences in case your income becomes taxable. The process hardly takes any time if done online. So, complete linking your Aadhaar and PAN by the deadline.