After the central government approved a ₹1,435 crore project to revamp the existing PAN system (PAN 2.0), social media was flooded with debates. Users are actively discussing the new features of the revamped PAN card, especially the inclusion of a QR code. 

Many have raised questions about whether the new feature (the QR code) on the revamped PAN card is a new addition that the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has addressed. In response to the queries, CBDT said that QR codes have been part of PAN cards since 2017-18, but the new system has advanced features.

What Social media is saying

Users on social media platforms like X are sharing screenshots of their old PAN cards (issued 3-4 years ago) that already have QR codes. Some users are questioning the necessity of the new technological update since the PAN card is not physically swiped or used in transactions.

Others are asking if the new PAN card with the QR code can be used to easily access their details when presented at a bank, specifically whether bank employees can scan it to retrieve all the necessary information.

The new PAN 2.0 QR mean

In its November 26 statement, CBT said that the QR code they are using in the new PAN card will be much more advanced. The code will be effective, it will show the most up-to-date information from the PAN database.
It further said, "The QR code helps in validating the PAN and PAN details. Presently, a specific QR reader application is available for verification of QR code details. On reading through the reader application, complete details, i.e., photo, signature, Name, Father's Name / Mother's Name and Date of Birth is displayed."

PAN data Vault 

The government's new project also plans to create a "mandatory PAN data vault system" for all organizations that use PAN information, like banks, government agencies, and departments, to ensure secure online validation.

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that organizations, such as banks and insurance companies, that collect PAN details will be required to store this information safely using the new data vault system.