Like many others, I too decided to be a part of Modi’s digital India drive and wanted to open an account for my part-time domestic help so that I can pay her online. Armed with a photocopy of her voter’s id and two passport-sized photographs, I took her to a particular bank and was told by the branch manager that to open an account she needs to have a PAN number. In order to obtain a PAN card, you need to show documents supporting proof of birth which the woman doesn’t possess. At this point, I just gave up. The Prime Minister should think twice before introducing such schemes.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
