Free Birth, Caste & Residence Certificate Services
Punjab Government Notification 2026: The Government of Punjab has announced a major relief for citizens by temporarily waiving Facilitation Charges on several important public services available through Sewa Kendras, Doorstep Delivery Services and the Online Portal.
According to the official notification issued with the approval of the Governor of Punjab, the waiver will remain effective from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026 (both days inclusive). During this period, eligible applicants can apply for various government certificates without paying any facilitation charges.
Notification Link
Punjab Sewa Kendra Free Services 2026
The following services will be available with Nil Facilitation Charges across Punjab.
| Department | Citizen Service | Facilitation Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities | Caste Certificate (SC, BC, OBC, General & Other Categories) | Nil |
| Personnel Department | Residence Certificate | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | New Birth Certificate & Name Entry | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | Certified Copy of Birth Certificate (Municipal Corporation) | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | Certified Copy of Birth Certificate (Municipal Council) | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | Birth Certificate Correction | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | Late Birth Registration (21–30 Days) | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | Late Birth Registration (30 Days to 1 Year) | Nil |
| Health & Family Welfare | Late Birth Registration (More Than 1 Year) | Nil |
| School Education Department | Duplicate 10th & 12th Certificates | Nil |
Services Covered Under the Notification
- SC Certificate
- BC Certificate
- OBC Certificate
- General Category Certificate
- Residence Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- Birth Certificate Correction
- Birth Certificate Name Entry
- Late Birth Registration
- Duplicate Class 10 Certificate
- Duplicate Class 12 Certificate
Where Can You Apply?
The waiver is applicable to applications submitted through:
- Punjab Sewa Kendras
- Punjab Online Citizen Services Portal
- Doorstep Delivery Services
Doorstep Delivery Charges
The Punjab Government has also clarified that the entire Doorstep Service Delivery Charges during the notification period will be borne by the State Government. Citizens will not have to pay the facilitation charges covered under this notification while using eligible doorstep services.
Notification Validity
- Effective Date: 1 July 2026
- Last Date: 30 September 2026
After 30 September 2026, the normal Facilitation Charges notified by the Punjab Government will automatically become applicable unless the Government extends the scheme through another notification.
Benefits for Punjab Citizens
- Save money on government services.
- Easy access to Birth Certificates.
- Free Caste Certificates.
- Free Residence Certificates.
- Benefit from online and doorstep services.
- Reduced financial burden on applicants.
- Encourages digital government services.
Important Highlights
- ✔ Effective from 1 July 2026
- ✔ Valid till 30 September 2026
- ✔ Applicable across Punjab
- ✔ Available through Sewa Kendras
- ✔ Online applications covered
- ✔ Doorstep Delivery covered
- ✔ Facilitation Charges completely waived
- ✔ Government to bear Doorstep Delivery Charges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Birth Certificate free in Punjab?
Yes. Facilitation Charges for Birth Certificate services have been waived from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026.
Is the Residence Certificate free?
Yes. Residence Certificate services are included in the notification.
Is the Caste Certificate free?
Yes. SC, BC, OBC, General and other caste certificates are covered.
Does this apply to online applications?
Yes. Applications submitted through the Online Portal, Sewa Kendras and Doorstep Delivery Services are eligible.
Who will pay the Doorstep Delivery Charges?
The Punjab Government will bear the eligible Doorstep Service Delivery Charges during the notification period.
Are Duplicate 10th and 12th Certificates included?
Yes. Duplicate School Education Certificates for Class 10 and Class 12 are covered under this notification.
Conclusion
The Punjab Government’s latest notification provides a valuable opportunity for citizens to obtain important government certificates without paying facilitation charges. Citizens planning to apply for a Birth Certificate, Caste Certificate, Residence Certificate or Duplicate School Certificate should submit their applications before 30 September 2026 to avail of this benefit.
