Cyber centres fleeced people for linking Aadhaar and PAN as March 30 deadline neared

BENGALURU: With the Union government earlier setting a March 30 deadline to link Aadhaar and PAN, cyber centres in the city took advantage of the last-minute rush and fleeced people who flocked the centres.

On Tuesday, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the time for linking PAN and Aadhaar until June 30. However, in many parts of the city, in the name of linking Aadhaar and PAN, the cyber centre owners have charged Rs 1,000 as fine and additional amounts for the work.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the time for linking PAN and Aadhaar until June 30.

After receiving many complaints from citizens, Public TV did a reality check in many cyber centres, including Gandhi Nagar, Bhashyam Circle in Rajajinagar, Kurubarahalli, and M Thimmaiah Road. In these cyber centres, they charged anywhere betwee Rs 1,100 and Rs 1,250. Normally, they would charge Rs 25 to Rs 50 for the same work, but with the deadline nearing, they charged more.

Many people in the city are unhappy with the process of linking their Aadhaar and PAN at cyber centres. In some parts, the citizens have had arguments with the cyber centre owners for charging more.

Sarvesh, a customer.

“The cyber centres are charging double the rate for 10 minutes of work. The government should deactivate their user ID and enforce a rule to levy fines on those charging more. I have paid Rs 1,500 to link may Aadhaar and PAN”, said Sarvesh, a customer.