Punjab Announces Rs550 Domicile Fee Increase, Introduces Digital System with Faster Issuance

Punjab Cabinet Approves 175 Percent Increase in Domicile Fees

The Punjab cabinet has approved a significant increase of 175 percent in domicile fees, raising them from Rs200 to Rs550. This new system also introduces an entirely digital approach for domicile issuance.

Under the revised structure, citizens will pay Rs200 as the basic fee, Rs300 for the affidavit, and an additional Rs50 service charge. The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) collects Rs50 as a service fee from this increase.

The government treasury is set to receive Rs500 per application, while PITB retains Rs50 for operational costs such as system maintenance, data hosting, and security measures.

This digital overhaul allows applicants to submit their forms online, pay through the e-Pay Punjab platform, and have their domicile certificates delivered directly to their homes via courier service. The average cost of processing an application is estimated at Rs27.55 by PITB, with annual system maintenance costs reaching millions of rupees.

Finance Department officials express concerns over affordability for citizens amid inflation, while critics argue the fee hike adds unnecessary financial pressure. However, proponents claim this new system enhances transparency and efficiency in domicile management.