The Punjab government has provided significant relief to the public. In a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, it was decided that government fees and facilitation charges would be waived for the issuance of several essential government documents over the next three months. This decision will be effective from July 1 to September 30, 2026. During this period, citizens will be provided with various notified services including caste certificates, residence certificates, birth certificates, and certain educational documents free of charge.
Decision taken in view of the SIR campaign
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, this decision was taken keeping the SIR (Special Summary Revision) campaign in mind. People require various documents during the revision of electoral rolls. In this context, the government aims to ensure that citizens do not face an additional financial burden while obtaining these documents.
Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that a large number of people are applying for essential documents such as residence certificates, caste certificates, birth certificates, and educational certificates due to the SIR campaign. Considering this, the government decided to waive the relevant fees for three months.
Which documents will be available for free?
Under the Punjab government’s decision, fees for several important services will be waived during the specified period. Key services included are caste certificates, residence certificates, birth certificates, duplicate marksheets or certificates for Class 10 and Class 12, and other notified government services. Both government fees and facilitation charges applicable to these services will be waived during this period.
Decision applicable to service centers and online services as well
This facility will not be limited to government offices alone. Citizens will not have to pay fees for these services when accessed through service centers, doorstep delivery services, or online citizen service portals. This means eligible citizens can avail themselves of these facilities by visiting service centers, opting for doorstep delivery, or applying online, according to their convenience. Punjab Government to Bear the Cost
The Punjab government has clarified that it will itself bear the financial burden resulting from the waiver of government and convenience fees for these services between July 1 and September 30, 2026. Citizens will not be charged the prescribed fees for the relevant services during this period.
Necessary Instructions Issued to Departments
The Cabinet has authorized the concerned administrative departments to issue the necessary notifications and guidelines to implement this decision. Departments are also required to issue operational orders to ensure that the public faces no inconvenience while availing of these services.
The Punjab government has directed the concerned officials to ensure the effective implementation of this arrangement across service centers, doorstep services, and online platforms during the three-month period.
Convenience and Financial Relief for the Public
The Punjab government states that the primary objective of this decision is to simplify the process for citizens to obtain essential documents during the SIR (Special Summary Revision) campaign. The fee waiver will provide financial relief to citizens, enabling them to acquire necessary certificates and documents without incurring additional costs. This arrangement, effective from July 1 to September 30, 2026, will facilitate the timely provision of documents to citizens and streamline the voter list revision process.