Punjab has approved a major increase in the domicile fee in Punjab, raising it by 175% as part of a shift towards a fully digital system. Under the new structure, citizens will now pay Rs550 instead of Rs200 to obtain a domicile certificate, making it a noticeable increase for applicants across the province.
The revised fee includes Rs200 base fee, Rs300 e-affidavit, and Rs50 service charges. The new system is being implemented by the Punjab Information Technology Board, with the aim of making the process more transparent, faster, and paperless.
All payments will now be made through e-Pay Punjab, which means manual payments have been completely removed. This change is part of the government’s broader plan to digitize public services and reduce delays in documentation.
Under the updated system, citizens can apply for a domicile through an online portal or mobile app and receive the certificate at home via courier. Authorities say the new process will reduce processing time to 2–3 days, which is significantly faster than before.
A verification system similar to National Database and Registration Authority is also being introduced to ensure accurate data handling and secure record management. This step is expected to improve trust and reduce chances of fraud.
However, the increase in the domicile fee has raised concerns among the public. Many believe that raising the cost from Rs200 to Rs550 adds an extra burden at a time when people are already facing inflation and rising expenses.
Officials, on the other hand, argue that the digital domicile system will improve efficiency, reduce paperwork, and provide long-term convenience for citizens.
