Simplification of ITR Forms; Issue of PAN Cards

The Government has simplified Income Tax Returns (ITR) Forms for individuals and HUFs not having business or professional income. In ITR Form No. 2 and 2A, the main form does not contain more than three pages and other information relevant for computation of income will be captured in the schedules which are required to be filled up only if applicable.
 
The numbers of Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards issued during the last three years are as under:
 

 
The issue of PAN cards is presently being executed through (i) procedure of manual applications and (ii) through online application procedure. Both procedures are executed through Service Providers namely National Securities Depository Limited (NDSL) and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services Limited (UTIITSL).
 
The improvement in the process of PAN allotment is an ongoing process. The Income Tax Department is constantly engaged in leveraging technology for improving the process for the issue of PAN cards.
 
This was stated by Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State in Ministry of Finance in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.