CHANDIGARH, Jan 1: Punjab has completed a major overhaul of its administrative system by moving hundreds of public services online, enabling over 1.85 lakh residents to access government facilities without visiting offices, the state government said on January 1.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said 437 services are now available through digital platforms under the Bhagwant Mann government’s reforms, which aim to make governance more transparent and citizen-focused.
“The intention is simple: people should not have to chase government offices for their own work,” Arora said. “Services must reach citizens, not the other way around.”
The reforms are anchored by the “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade Dwar” programme, which offers doorstep delivery of government services. Officials said the initiative has reduced travel, waiting times and paperwork, particularly benefiting elderly citizens and those living in remote areas.
Significant changes have been recorded in the Revenue Department, where more than 12.46 lakh applications related to land and property have been processed online. Patwaris now handle applications digitally, with all records maintained in paperless form.
To improve reliability, the government has introduced QR-coded digital certificates, which officials say have reduced forgery and increased public confidence in official documents. “The use of technology has removed scope for delays and unnecessary interference,” Arora said.
The state has also implemented a digital dashboard to monitor applications and service delivery in real time. According to the government, pending cases across departments now stand at just 0.33 percent.
Arora said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has instructed departments to strictly adhere to service timelines. “Punjab is demonstrating that technology, when backed by intent, can deliver clean and accountable governance,” he said.
