The Income-Tax Department proposes to use biometric features such as fingerprints and retina images in permanent account number (PAN) cards to ensure the uniqueness of such numbers and prevent the allotment of more than one PAN to a person.

For this purpose, the Department has sought inputs from organisations engaged in providing biometric solutions. Such entities have been asked to submit a synopsis of their expertise in this area by August 6.

The Department is keen to have a biometric solution that would be cost-effective and one that does not lead to long queues of applicants at the front offices.

The Department uses the PANs to identify its taxpayers. Till date, about 4.6 crore PANs have been issued. About five lakh new PANs are allotted every month.

Currently, NSDL and UTI Technology Services manage the interface with PAN applicants.

These two service providers operate about 2,000 front offices for PAN services across the country.