*EASY REGISTRY COMPLETES 14 MONTHS, REWRITING PUNJAB’S PROPERTY REGISTRATION EXPERIENCE*
*FROM LONG QUEUES AND MIDDLEMEN TO ONLINE SERVICES, TIME-BOUND SCRUTINY AND DIGITAL TRANSPARENCY ERA: HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN*
*93% BENEFICIARIES SATISFIED WITH NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM; 93% GET REGISTRIES COMPLETED ON APPOINTMENT DATE*
*90% APPLICANTS REPORT NO ISSUE AT ANY STAGE; 94% SAY THEY FACED NO PRESSURE FOR EXTRA PAYMENT*
*93% OF CASES CLEARED PRE-SCRUTINY WITHOUT ANY OBJECTION*
*AROUND 10 LAKH DOCUMENTS REGISTERED SINCE ITS INITIATION*
*Chandigarh, September 9:*Punjab Revenue Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian today said that Easy Registry marks a significant milestone in the State Government’s efforts to transform property registration into a faster, simpler, transparent and citizen-friendly public service.
Launched by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government in July 2025 as a pilot project in Mohali, Easy Registry has fundamentally changed the way citizens access property registration services. The initiative has shifted the process from a largely office-dependent system to an online and time-bound model while reducing unnecessary physical visits and direct points of contact.
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the government’s focus has been to make property registration a service that citizens can access with greater convenience and confidence. “Easy Registry is not merely a digital platform. It is a governance reform designed around the convenience, dignity and rights of the citizen,” he said.
The impact of Easy Registry is also visible in beneficiary feedback. Two rounds of surveys conducted across districts and villages where the portal is operational covered 6,623 token-holders, including 1,737 beneficiaries in Survey 1.0 and 4,886 in Survey 2.0.
He informed that the cumulative findings of both surveys show strong public satisfaction with the new system. As many as 93% of beneficiaries were satisfied with the new registration process while 93% said their registry was completed on the scheduled appointment date. Similarly, 90% faced no issue at any stage of the process while 93% of cases cleared pre-scrutiny without any objection. Further, 94% said they faced no pressure to make any extra payment.
According to beneficiary feedback, most applicants have been able to complete their registration in approximately 35 minutes on their appointment day. The appointment and token mechanism has reduced waiting time inside offices while the 48-hour scrutiny window has helped minimise repeated visits. WhatsApp status updates have further reduced dependence on agents for tracking applications and in most cases the registered deed can be collected in a single visit.
S. Mundian said that these figures provide an important measure of the change brought about by Easy Registry during these 14 months. The survey feedback also shows that the reforms have improved both predictability and public confidence in the registration process.
S. Mundian said that Easy Registry has sought to address the key pain points associated with property registration by combining technology with administrative reforms.
From online deed preparation and fee payment to pre-scrutiny, FIFO file processing, digital Fard generation, eKYC verification, token management and WhatsApp communication, the system has created multiple layers of transparency and accountability.
He said that the Punjab Government is committed to strengthening citizen-centric governance and ensuring that public services are delivered with greater speed, fairness and transparency.
Under the earlier system, the Revenue Minister said, citizens were required to approach the Sub-Registrar office having jurisdiction over the location of the property. Easy Registry has removed this constraint by allowing registration at any Sub-Registrar office within the district.
S. Mundian said that this cross-office access has provided citizens with greater freedom of choice while reducing dependence on a particular office or official. The reform has also helped dismantle the conditions that could facilitate favouritism and unnecessary influence.
*FIRST-IN-FIRST-OUT SYSTEM BRINGS ORDER AND FAIRNESS*
Easy Registry has introduced a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) mechanism for handling files. Instead of files being picked up randomly, applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
S. Mundian said that the reform has brought greater predictability and fairness to the process by ensuring that citizens do not have to depend on personal influence or repeated visits to know when their case will be taken up.
*48-HOUR SCRUTINY WINDOW CURBS DELAYS*
A structured and time-bound objection mechanism has been introduced under Easy Registry. Applicant-related objections are resolved before the case reaches the Registrar’s office so that citizens do not waste time during their scheduled visit.
Where an objection is raised by the Registrar, it has to be communicated within 48 hours through the system. Such objections are subject to oversight by the Deputy Commissioner or Sub-Divisional Magistrate to ensure that they are genuine and properly addressed.
The Cabinet Minister said that fixing a clear scrutiny timeline has substantially reduced the repeated to-and-fro that citizens earlier faced during property registration. As many as 93% of cases cleared pre-scrutiny without any objection.
*DEED DRAFTING NO LONGER DEPENDENT ON MIDDLEMEN*
Easy Registry has also changed the way sale deeds are prepared. Citizens can now choose from three options: Do It Yourself online deed drafting, assistance at dedicated deed assistance counters or doorstep services through Seva Sahayaks.
This has reduced dependence on private deed-writers and lawyers for routine drafting requirements while giving citizens greater control over the registration process.
*ONE TRANSACTION, 25 BANKS AND INSTANT FEE CALCULATION*
He said that the new system has streamlined the payment of stamp duty and registration fees. The applicable fees are calculated instantly and citizens can make payment online through a single transaction using an integrated gateway supporting 25 banks.
S. Mundian said that the reform has eliminated the need for multiple bank visits and reduced ambiguity in fee calculations. The combination of pre-scrutiny and single-window payment has also helped reduce the need for refund requests.
*WHATSAPP UPDATES KEEP CITIZENS INFORMED*
Easy Registry has introduced automatic WhatsApp acknowledgements at different stages of the registration process. Applicants can track the progress of their case without having to depend on agents or make repeated visits to government offices.
The system also facilitates online complaints and direct WhatsApp reporting of any demand for a bribe with such complaints being escalated to the Deputy Commissioner.
The Revenue Minister said that this direct communication channel has strengthened accountability while placing the citizen at the centre of the service delivery process. As many as 94% said they faced no pressure to make any extra payment.
*DIGITAL FARD NOW GENERATED AUTOMATICALLY*
A major technological reform under Easy Registry is the integration of the Jamabandi Portal with the Easy Registry Portal. The integration enables automatic generation of a QR Code-enabled Digital Fard. Applicants no longer need to upload the Fard manually. The system provides authenticated and updated land records while reducing the possibility of forged or tampered documents. The reform has also reduced processing time and unnecessary repeat visits by applicants.
*CONSENT-BASED e-KYC STRENGTHENS SECURITY*
Easy Registry has introduced consent-based electronic KYC verification at the Sub-Registrar level. With the consent of the concerned parties, their identities can be verified electronically.
This provides an additional safeguard against fraudulent or impersonated registrations while ensuring that the persons participating in the registration process are genuine, he added.
*INTEGRATED TOKEN SYSTEM CUTS WAITING TIME*
S. Mundian said that the Integrated Token Management System gives priority to citizens who have scheduled appointments and complete documentation. He said that the system has helped reduce waiting time within registration offices and has made service delivery more uniform across both urban and rural offices. According to beneficiary feedback, most applicants have been able to complete their registration in approximately 35 minutes on their appointment day. As many as 93% said their registry was completed on the scheduled appointment date, he added.
*REGISTRATION OFFICES GET A CITIZEN-FRIENDLY MAKEOVER*
Alongside digital reforms, registration offices have also been upgraded to provide citizens with a more comfortable and dignified experience. Modern waiting areas, professional reception facilities and a more citizen-friendly office environment have been introduced as part of the broader transformation.
The Cabinet Minister said that the government’s objective is not limited to digitising a procedure but also to improve the overall experience of citizens visiting government offices.
*AROUND 10 LAKH DOCUMENTS REGISTERED SINCE ITS INITIATION*
Since the initiation of Easy Registry system in July 2025, a total of 9,87,425 documents have been registered across Punjab till September 8, 2026, which showed the wide adoption of the new registration system by citizens across the State.
*EASY REGISTRY EMERGES AS A REPLICABLE GOVERNANCE MODEL*
S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the transformation brought by Easy Registry goes beyond property registration as it provides a framework for redesigning public services around the needs of citizens. The initiative has replaced avoidable physical interfaces with digital processes while retaining necessary human assistance through deed assistance counters and Seva Sahayaks. With fixed timelines, digital records, direct communication and mechanisms for grievance reporting, Easy Registry has created a service delivery model that can be replicated across departments and jurisdictions.
S. Mundian said that the Punjab Government would continue to strengthen technology-driven governance so that citizens can access government services with minimum inconvenience and maximum transparency.
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*INVEST IN THE BEST: AMAN ARORA ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR GLOBAL INVESTORS WITH 100-125% FCI RETURNS, FAST-TRACK APPROVALS*
*• Mann Govt eyes UAE investments in food processing, manufacturing, logistics, IT/ITeS, GCCs, data centres, green energy and employment-intensive sectors*
*• Aman Arora projects Rajpura's 1,100-acre Integrated Manufacturing Cluster as next big opportunity for UAE Investors*
Chandigarh/Dubai, September 9:Pitching the state as India's next big and most preferred investment destination, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Mr. Aman Arora today invited UAE investors and global businesses to invest in the best, assuring 100% to 125% fiscal incentives under the state's new Industrial and Business Development Policy-2026, fast-track approvals and complete handholding through single-window platform Invest Punjab.
Addressing investors and business leaders during Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai, Mr. Aman Arora said Punjab offers a unique blend of robust industrial infrastructure, skilled manpower, vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, agricultural strength, strategic connectivity and a large consumer market- making it an ideal destination for UAE and global investors.
Inviting UAE-based investors, global businesses and the Punjabi diaspora to partner in Punjab's next phase of industrial growth, Mr. Aman Arora highlighted the state's progressive Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 offers a flexible incentive framework tailored to diverse investor categories and priority sectors and seamless facilitation through single-window system Invest Punjab.
“Punjab is open for business and ready for investment. We want investors to see Punjab not just as a market, but as a strategic partner for manufacturing, food processing, technology, logistics and global business operations. Our focus is clear- ease of doing business, speedy approvals, policy certainty and maximum handholding for investors,” said Mr. Aman Arora.
Under the Policy, eligible manufacturing units can avail fiscal incentives up to 100% of eligible Fixed Capital Investment (FCI), while units in priority sectors and those in Border Districts and Kandi areas are eligible for incentives up to 125% of FCI, subject to an overall cap of Rs 500 crore. Key benefits include capital subsidy of up to 20% of eligible FCI (up to Rs 10 crore), 75% reimbursement of Net SGST for the eligible period and 100% exemption of Electricity Duty for eligible new units as well as existing units undertaking expansion, subject to applicable conditions, he added.
The policy also provides employment-linked support and encourages investments in priority and emerging sectors, enabling investors to align incentives with their business and employment plans. The framework extends benefits not only to new projects but also to expansion and modernisation of existing industrial units.
Mr. Aman Arora said Punjab is particularly keen to attract UAE investments in food processing and agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, textiles, IT/ITeS, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), data centres, renewable energy, emerging technologies, skill development and other employment-intensive sectors.
The Industries Minister said Invest Punjab is at the core of the state's investor facilitation strategy, providing a unified platform for regulatory approvals, incentives and handholding. Through this digital platform, investors can submit applications, access regulatory services, track approvals, seek project-specific facilitation and receive continuous support across the investment lifecycle — significantly reducing procedural delays and eliminating the need to approach multiple departments.
"We want an investor sitting in Dubai to be able to engage with Punjab digitally, get complete clarity on applicable approvals and incentives and receive dedicated facilitation from Invest Punjab. Our objective is to make the entire journey — from investment intent to commissioning — predictable, transparent and hassle-free," Mr Aman Arora stated.
He said that the Invest Punjab office is committed to providing end-to-end facilitation to UAE investors, from identifying suitable opportunities and locations to obtaining approvals and accessing eligible incentives, while highlighting the upcoming 1,100-acre Integrated Manufacturing Cluster at Rajpura on the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC) as a major opportunity for manufacturing and allied industries. The project is poised to attract significant investment and generate large-scale employment.
Mr. Arora said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government is committed to building long-term partnerships with the UAE, leveraging the UAE's global investment networks and Punjab's inherent strengths in manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, technology and human resources.
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PUNJAB SIR 2026: Citizens Turning 18 by October 1, 2026 Must Apply by September 12 to Register as Voters – CEO Punjab Anindita Mitra
“Youth participation forms the cornerstone of a vibrant and resilient democracy” – Anindita Mitra
Chandigarh, September 9:As per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, the last date for filing claims and objections regarding the Draft Electoral Roll published on 13 August 2026 under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 in Punjab is 12 September 2026 said
Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS. She further shared that the Final Electoral Roll will be published on 12 October 2026.
She appealed to all citizens to verify their details in the Draft Electoral Roll and submit any claims or objections by 12 September 2026. She especially urged the youth who have attained or will attain the age of 18 years on or before 01 October 2026 to submit Form 6 for enrolment as new voters.
Overseas citizens of India (NRIs) who are otherwise eligible may also enrol by submitting Form 6A.
Any person whose name already appears in the Draft Roll published on 13 August 2026 can submit Form 8 for correction of entries, change of address, or updating other details.
Applications can be submitted Online athttps://voters.eci.gov.in,Through the ECINET Mobile App, Offline via Booth Level Officers (BLOs),At the office of ERO/AERO.
Ms. Mitra emphasized: “Voting is not merely a civic duty, but a fundamental constitutional right through which young citizens actively shape the governance and future of the nation.”
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*Dr. Baljit Kaur Celebrates Teej and Raksha Bandhan with Girls from Child Care Institutions, Inspires Hope through Punjab's Rich Cultural Heritage*
*'Saheliyan Da Samagam' celebrates womanhood, friendship and confidence while giving every child a platform to shine*
*Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to ensuring a safe, dignified and opportunity-filled future for every daughter and every child: Dr. Baljit Kaur*
*Folk dances, Trinjan songs, Phulkari displays and a vibrant Punjabi village ambience create an unforgettable celebration of culture and child welfare*
Chandigarh, September 9:Punjab's vibrant cultural heritage came alive in all its colours as the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development organised "Teej and Raksha Bandhan – Saheliyan Da Samagam" for girls residing in Child Care Institutions across the State, along with specially-abled girls from Navjeevani Institute of Special Education and Research, Patiala. Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, attended the event as the Chief Guest and celebrated the festivals with the children, spreading the message of love, dignity, inclusion, empowerment and social harmony.
Commending the initiative, Dr. Baljit Kaur congratulated Director, Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Sheena Aggarwal, and the entire departmental team for conceptualising such a meaningful and inspiring programme. She said that celebrations like these not only bring smiles to children's faces but also instil confidence, hope, belongingness and the courage to dream bigger.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said, "Teej symbolises the strength, aspirations and resilience of women, while Raksha Bandhan reflects bonds of love, trust and shared responsibility. Let us honour every daughter, empower her to realise her potential and collectively ensure a brighter future for every child."
She observed that women are not merely entitled to protection but are themselves the strongest protectors of their families and society. She added that today's daughters are excelling in administration, education, healthcare, justice, entrepreneurship and public service, making invaluable contributions to nation-building.
Highlighting the participation of girls from Child Care Institutions and specially-abled children from Navjeevani Institute of Special Education and Research, Patiala, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the event was designed to provide them with a platform to showcase their talent, nurture self-belief and inspire them to dream without limits. She emphasised that every child deserves equal opportunities and, with the right guidance and encouragement, can overcome every challenge.
The Minister said that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is firmly committed to creating a safe, caring, inclusive and opportunity-rich environment for every daughter and every child. She reiterated that ensuring quality education, safety, equal opportunities and holistic development remains one of the Government's highest priorities so that every child can realise his or her full potential.
Emphasising the importance of preserving Punjab's cultural legacy, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that folk music, traditional dances and cultural traditions are the soul of Punjab's identity and play a vital role in connecting younger generations with their roots while strengthening shared social values.
The cultural extravaganza captivated the audience with colourful Punjabi folk dances, soulful Trinjan songs and vibrant performances by children from various Child Care Institutions. Their confidence, enthusiasm and remarkable talent earned thunderous applause and left the audience deeply moved.
The venue was transformed into a traditional Punjabi village adorned with exquisite Phulkari embroidery, spinning wheels, handcrafted artefacts and authentic rural décor, offering visitors a vivid glimpse of Punjab's timeless heritage and rich folk traditions.
Interacting warmly with the children, Dr. Baljit Kaur extended heartfelt greetings on the occasions of Teej and Raksha Bandhan and encouraged them to remain connected with their mother tongue, culture and values while striving for excellence in education and every sphere of life. She also appealed to women to recognise their inner strength, rise above social stereotypes and contribute confidently towards building a progressive and compassionate society.
The Minister appreciated the wholehearted efforts of the children, artists, caregivers, organisers and departmental officials who made the celebration memorable. The programme concluded with enthralling folk songs and energetic Giddha performances, leaving behind a lasting message of respect for daughters, child welfare, women's empowerment, cultural pride and the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to inclusive social development.
Among those present were Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava (IAS); Principal Secretary Mrs. Rakhi Gupta Bhandari (IAS); Mrs. Bhawna Garg (IAS); Mrs. Hargunjeet Kaur (IAS); Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar (IAS); besides other distinguished dignitaries and senior officers of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development.
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*Vigilance Bureau nabs Panchayat Secretary red handed accepting bribe of Rs 20,000/-*
Chandigarh, 9 September 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Panchayat Secretary Gurjant Singh posted at BDPO office, Bhunerheri district Patiala red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 20,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Bhatian district Patiala.
He informed that the complainant alleged that the Gram Panchayat had passed resolutions for the renovation and construction of a local Dharamshala and Community Hall. The Panchayat Secretary Gurjant Singh allegedly demanded a bribe of ₹20,000 to process the resolutions and taking further action on these development projects. The accused Panchayat Secretary stated that a portion from this bribe money will be distributed to Panches of Gram Panchayat for obtaining signature to these resolutions.
Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Patiala. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Panchayat Secretary was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 20,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Patiala and further investigation into this case is under progress.
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*Vigilance Bureau nabs Mahesh Kumar Help Desk, Sewa Kendra, Nurmahal red handed accepting bribe of Rs 7,000/-*
Chandigarh, 9 September 2026:The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has apprehended Mahesh Kumar, Help Desk, Sewa Kendra, Nurmahal, district Jalandhar red handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 7,000/-.
Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of village Nurmahal, district Jalandhar.
He informed that the complainant's relative had applied for a marriage certificate at Sewa Kendra, Nurmahal, on 24.08.2026. He later met Mahesh Kumar, Help Desk, Sewa Kendra, Nurmahal and requested early issuance of the marriage certificate. The accused Mahesh Kumar subsequently demanded Rs.7,000 as a bribe and stated that the certificate would be issued within two days. The complainant recorded the conversation regarding the demand of the bribe.
Unwilling to pay the illegal gratification, complainant approached the VB Range Jalandhar. Acting on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused Mahesh Kumar, Help Desk was arrested red handed while accepting bribe money of Rs 7,000/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.
In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Jalandhar and further investigation into this case is under progress.
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*Cabinet Minister Punjab Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak lays foundation stone of Shingarma Bridge*
*- Shingarma Bridge to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 17.82 crore*
*- Development of Bhoa constituency gets new momentum, about Rs. 62 crore to be spent on three bridges: Lal Chand Kataruchak*
*Chandigarh/Pathankot, September 9:*Giving a major gift to the people of Bhoa Assembly constituency, Cabinet Minister Punjab Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today laid the foundation stone for the construction of Shingarma Bridge near village Kolian. On this occasion, a large number of local residents, Panchayat representatives were present.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that he always feels happy to be among the people of his constituency and today is a special day for him, because for a long time the residents of the area had been demanding a bridge at Shingarma, which has been fulfilled by the Punjab Government.
He informed that three new bridges have been approved in Bhoa Assembly constituency, on which about Rs. 62 crore will be spent. Out of these, the construction work of the bridge near Shingarma has been started today. Besides this, he said the construction work of the bridge on Jalaliya Nallah will also be started within a week. The third bridge is to be constructed at Sambhla near Gharota.
The Cabinet Minister informed that the bridge to be built at Shingarma will be about 165 meters long and 42 meters wide, on which Rs.17 crore 82 lakh will be spent. He said that this bridge will prove to be extremely important for the people of about 60-65 villages situated across the Ravi river and will further strengthen connectivity in the area.
Mr. Kataruchak said that the people of the area across the Ravi river have been facing many difficulties for a long time. He said that the present government is carrying out development works related to roads, bridges and other basic infrastructure keeping in mind the needs and demands of the people of the constituency.
He said that during his tenure, several development works including construction of roads have been carried out in different villages of Bhoa constituency. Keeping in view the health facility of the people, the process of opening a 100-bed hospital in this area is also underway. Apart from this, a project of a major bridge directly connecting Narot Jaimal Singh to Kiri is also under process and efforts are being made to start its construction soon.
The Cabinet Minister said that his main objective is to ensure better connectivity and strong basic infrastructure for Bhoa constituency. He said that in the coming time also, development works will continue keeping in mind the public interest. He said that Bhoa constituency is now moving towards creating its special identity not only in Punjab but on the map of the country in terms of connectivity and bridge development.
Congratulating all the residents of the constituency on the commencement of construction work of Shingarma Bridge, he said that this project will prove beneficial for the people of the area and will play an important role in reducing traffic problems.
On this occasion, Block Samiti Chairman Dharampal, Block President Subedar Kulwant Singh, Sarpanch Bamyial Manish Gupta, Sarpanch Kolian Raju, Sarpanch Kot Bhattian Rajesh Thakur, Sarpanch Dhida Rajinder Singh, Block Samiti Member Madan Kumar, Raj Kumar, Bishan Das, Yashpal Verma, Sarpanch Kotli Vipan Kumar, Sarpanch Kilpur Bodhraj, Samiti Member Naresh Kumar, Block President Sandeep Mahajan, Councillor Karam Chand, Circle President Yashpal Datyal, Sarpanch Makhanpur Manga Ram, Block Samiti Member Lalita Devi were present.