Pan no.for senior citizen

dear all,

i want some body to clarify the following:-

now mentioning of PAN no. in TDS returns is compulsory, in view of this and citing some RBI circular banks are insisting on PAN no for releasing Interest on deposits kept with banks irrespective of whether the depositor is Assessee (tax payer) / senior citizen / non tax payer (non-assesse) etc. Form no.15G/15H are not being considered by the banks and they are insisting on getting the PAN by applying for the same.

wants to know whether Form 15G/ 15H is abolished? whether even a senior citizen /non assessee whose income is much much below the taxable limit should obtain PAN no to get the interest income to make good his lively hood and file return to claim refund of tax deducted by way tds thorugh the bank.

pls clarify.actual applicability.

thanks n regards,

balu