Govt raises domicile fee with major hike in Punjab

Punjab Govt Raises Domicile Certificate Fee Punjab government has introduced a major reform in the way domicile certificates are issued, and this change is already becoming a topic of discussion across the province.

They raised it by 175%, from Rs200 to Rs550. Now, the process turns fully digital and paperless. Under the new setup, applicants pay Rs200 base fee. They add Rs300 for e-affidavit and Rs50 service charge. PITB keeps the Rs50, while Rs500 goes to government treasury. Also, e-affidavit fee rose from Rs100 to Rs300.

The government now collects all fees via e-Pay Punjab only. This ends manual payments. Citizens apply online through web portal or mobile app. As a result, they get certificates delivered home by courier. Officials say the system cuts paperwork and speeds things up. A NADRA-like digital check reduces wait time to two or three days.

Extra costs include Rs60 courier, Rs40 security paper, and Rs50 for data, SMS, and maintenance. PITB notes average cost per application at Rs27.55, with yearly system run at crores of rupees. Meanwhile, Punjab Information Technology Board builds the platform. Users enjoy home delivery and quick service.

However, the hike sparks backlash. Critics say Rs550 burdens people amid rising prices. Poor families struggle more. People adapt to the change. Apply online, pay digitally, get it fast. Punjab leads in e-gov services. This move modernizes certificates. It fights fakes with better verification. Citizens weigh convenience against higher cost.