Dimapur, November 8 (MExN): The Common Service Centre (CSC) Society of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain alert while availing PAN–Aadhaar linking services, following reports of panic and alleged overcharging by some operators.
In a notice, the CSC Society confirmed that recent Government notifications that any PAN card not linked with Aadhaar would be deactivated and advised citizens to ensure their PAN is linked if not already done.
The Society, however, cautioned that some business operators and centres reportedly take advantage of public anxiety, particularly among senior citizens and those unfamiliar with digital processes, by misleading them or overcharging for services.
According to the CSC Society, the Government of India has fixed a late linking fee of Rs 1000 only, and no extra penalty is charged beyond this amount.
It added that CSC Centres may charge a nominal service fee ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 100 for assistance in the linking process, and any charge beyond this amount would be considered overcharging.
Citizens have been advised to report such cases to the concerned authorities.
The Society advised citizens visiting CSC or PAN service centres to request operators to display the screen showing their PAN–Aadhaar linking status before making any payment.
It noted instances where individuals were informed that their PAN was not linked and were charged unnecessarily.
Citizens can also verify their PAN–Aadhaar linking status free of cost via the official Income Tax Department website: https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/link-aadhaar-status
The CSC Society further informed that PAN cards issued using Aadhaar are automatically linked and do not require any additional action.
Urging citizens not to panic and to avoid falling prey to misinformation, the CSC Society appealed to the public to share the advisory widely, particularly with elderly persons and those unfamiliar with online services.
PAN-Adhaar Linking: What citizens must know:
Govt notification: Deactivation of PAN not linked with Aadhaar: True
• Late linking fee fixed by Govt: Rs 1000
• CSC service fee allowed: Rs 50-Rs 100
• Anything above = overcharging
Before paying: Ask operator for on-screen linking status
Free Self-check: https://eportal.incometax.gov.in/iec/foservices/#/pre-login/link-aadhaar-status
No action needed if: PAN was issued using Aadhaar (automatically linked)
CSC Advisory:
– Do not panic
– Do not pay more than the prescribed fee
– Report overcharging to authorities
– Help elders/non-digital users against misinformation
