The government is planning to make Aadhaar number mandatory for filing of income tax (I-T) returns from the next financial year and link all bank accounts to the unique identity number by the end of this financial year.

Sources in the government said the work on both fronts was moving steadily and relevant amendments to the Income Tax Act, 1961, in this Budget are under ‘active discussion’ to ensure mandatory linkage of tax returns to Aadhaar numbers. At the same time, the Aadhaar-based authentication of beneficiaries is to be made mandatory for delivery of subsidised ...