Shahida, an eight-day-old Nalla Sopara resident, is Maharashtra’s youngest and the second youngest PAN card holder in India. The youngest is Ashi Kumar Sajal from Munger in Bihar. Ashi was born on February 21 and the PAN card was issued to her on February 26. Shahida was born on June 8 and the PAN card was issued on June 13. The card was received on June 17 by courier, her father Shahnawaz Brar, who resides on Achole Road, Nalla Sopara (E), said.
Mr. Brar, 25, runs an electrical appliances shop out of Khatri Bhawan in Nalla Sopara (E) and earns a modest Rs. 15,000 per month. He said, “My wife Tarannum gave birth to Shahida on June 8 at Yadav Hospital in Nalla Sopara and we were all elated. Also, Shahida arrived during the auspicious month of Ramzan.”
He added, “While browsing the net, my father Hasamali came to know that Shahida could become the youngest child to be issued a PAN card in Maharashtra and the second youngest in India. So, as a birthday gift, he applied online for Shahida's PAN card on June 13. When it arrived via courier on June 17, it was a surprise for me as my father did not tell me about the application.”
When asked he had applied for Shahida’s PAN card, Hasamali said, “I want my granddaughter to be a citizen of our country right from her birth, and the PAN card is a legal document. We would want Shahida to be an honest income tax payer when she starts to earn. Her father has started saving money in her name. Also, I want to send out a strong message that all citizens should pay income tax.”
The writer is a freelance journalist
