The PAN is now mandatory for professionals like engineers, chartered accountants, lawyers and even actors as well as people buying shares worth over NRS 1 million.

At present, there are about 350,000 institutions and people holding the PAN. The drive is aimed at netting at least 250,000 more this year.

However, while also issuing PAN cards to ministers, the government did not say immediately if it was issuing one to deposed king Gyanendra as well.

The former king, who had enjoyed tax exemption during his days in power, was stripped of all tax privileges after a coup to seize power ended in debacle and the abolition of monarchy.

This month, Pandey said Gyanendra had approached the finance ministry, seeking to pay taxes and utilities and requesting a concession.