As a publicly listed company committed to transparency and open communication, we believe it is important to address the recent developments around the PAN 2.0 RFP directly, thereby providing clarity to our stakeholder.
To our employees and stakeholders, I would like to address an important development many of you may have come across regarding the PAN 2.0 project. Over the weekend, we were informed by the Income Tax Department (ITD) that Protean eGov Technologies Ltd. has not been shortlisted for the next round of the PAN 2.0 RFP selection process.
Our existing mandate from ITD, received in 2003, covers the processing and issuance of PAN cards. This primarily involves collecting applicant data — whether for new PAN cards or updates — and securely transmitting that information to the Department, which then undertakes the allotment of the PAN number, while we do the PAN Card issuance and distribution. Since PAN is a foundational ID for tax, it was critical to ensure equitable access for all citizens irrespective of their digital enablement. Therefore, while direct channels for PAN application were enabled, we also built a robust and expansive distribution network of over 400,000 agents to provide assisted services to PAN applicants. This assisted distribution network is regulated and certified for stringent compliance standards under the oversight of Income Tax Department. A significant part of our business today runs through this vast assisted network.
Accordingly, our current mandate to operate the PAN application and distribution infrastructure continues without any impact to customers, our distribution channel partners, or internal teams.
Further, the PAN 2.0 project will take at least two years to go live. As mentioned, PAN issuance being a citizen centric service, it would continue to be critical to ensure an equitable access across self-service and assisted channels. Our foundation rests on decades of public service, trust, innovation, and adaptability. This is a moment to double down on our trusted distribution ecosystem, pursue a robust multi-product strategy, and shape the next phase of Digital Public Infrastructure delivery — both in India and globally. This update is to address any concerns that you may have, and I would like to urge you to stay anchored in facts. Communications in this regard must be redirected to Corporate Communications. If you have any further questions/concerns, please write to Investor Relations to get them addressed.
In the meantime, let’s stay focused, forward-looking, and aligned with our mission of serving the citizens of India.
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