In August and September 2026, Punjab introduced three portals for mining, public services and identifying unidentified bodies. Digi.Punjab launched on 1 September with over 300 services from 12 departments, with tracking and timelines. Pehchaan helps families search for unidentified bodies in government mortuaries. The Punjab Mining Management System digitises mining approvals, transport monitoring and payments. The next challenge is to make these systems accessible, secure and accountable while extending services.
Timeline: from service rights to portals
- 2018service rightsLegal basis
The Punjab Right to Service Act, 2018, provides for time-bound public services.
- 2025registryRegistry
Easy Registry forms part of Punjab’s digital governance background.
- 3 Aug2026Mining
The mining portal digitised approvals, transport monitoring and payments.
- 1 Sept2026Services
Digi.Punjab launched with over 300 services from 12 departments.
- 2 Sept2026Identity
Pehchaan introduced a search facility for unidentified bodies in government mortuaries.
What do these portals do?
Digi.Punjab brings services such as certificates, pensions and water connections onto one portal. It offers tracking and timelines, with a target of over 800 services. Sewa Kendras are another channel for accessing public services.
Pehchaan builds on the MedLEaPR medico-legal system. The National Informatics Centre developed the Punjab Mining Management System (PMMS) for mining approvals, transport monitoring and payments. Easy Registry is another part of the state’s digital governance background.
The two sides
Potential public benefits
- Tracking and timelines can make service delivery more transparent.
- Pehchaan offers families in India and abroad a way to search and claim.
- Digital mining records can support oversight of approvals, transport and payments.
Concerns requiring attention
- People without digital access or skills may need assisted services.
- Mortuary photographs and personal details require privacy and dignity safeguards.
- Portals need reliable records, timely action and accessible grievance redress.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Service rights | Punjab Right to Service Act, 2018: time-bound services. |
| Digi.Punjab | Launched on 1 September 2026 with over 300 services from 12 departments; over 800 targeted. |
| Pehchaan | Photos and details are to be uploaded within 48 hours of post-mortem. |
| Mining portal | PMMS began on 3 August 2026; it covers approvals, transport monitoring and payments. |
| Fee relief | During July–September 2026, fees were waived for caste, residence and birth certificates, and the Rs 70 doorstep service fee for 120 services. |
Way forward
- Assisted access: Maintain help through Sewa Kendras and support people who cannot use portals independently.
- Service accountability: Monitor timelines and provide clear escalation and grievance channels.
- Privacy by design: Limit access to sensitive records and apply safeguards suited to mortuary data.
- Data quality: Verify entries and correct errors across departments with clear responsibility.
- Mining oversight: Use digital records alongside field verification and fair enforcement.
Likely interview questions
What is Digi.Punjab, and what does it offer?
Answer pointers:
- It is a public-service portal launched on 1 September 2026.
- It began with over 300 services from 12 departments, including certificates and pensions.
- Tracking and timelines should be matched by accessible assistance.
Do you think digitisation alone can reduce corruption in public services?
Answer pointers:
- Digital tracking can improve transparency and reduce discretionary contact.
- Technology alone cannot replace scrutiny, accurate records or grievance redress.
- Combine digital workflows with audits and accountable officials.
Do you think Pehchaan strikes the right balance between identification and privacy?
Answer pointers:
- Searchable information may help families identify and claim bodies.
- Photographs and personal details call for sensitivity and safeguards.
- Support identification with controlled access and respectful claim verification.
As a Deputy Commissioner, how would you help residents who cannot access Digi.Punjab?
Answer pointers:
- Identify access barriers through local feedback and service complaints.
- Arrange assisted applications through Sewa Kendras and protect applicants’ information.
- Monitor delays and provide an accessible grievance route.
How do these portals relate to the Punjab Right to Service Act, 2018?
Answer pointers:
- The Act provides a framework for time-bound public services.
- Portal tracking can help applicants and officials follow progress.
- Ensure digital timelines are supported by actual delivery and remedies.
Explain what each portal does before discussing its potential benefits and risks. Avoid assuming that a digital launch automatically guarantees effective delivery.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. How many departments were represented when Digi.Punjab launched?
(a) 8 (b) 12 (c) 20 (d) 48
Show answer
Answer: (b) because the portal launched with services from 12 departments.
Q2. Pehchaan is intended to help identify which of the following?
(a) Unidentified bodies in government mortuaries (b) Mining vehicles (c) Water connections (d) Pension offices
Show answer
Answer: (a) because Pehchaan provides a search facility for unidentified bodies in government mortuaries.
Q3. Which activity is covered by PMMS?
(a) Marriage registration (b) Mining transport monitoring (c) Birth registration (d) Mortuary searches
Show answer
Answer: (b) because PMMS digitises mining approvals, transport monitoring and payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services are available on Digi.Punjab?
Digi.Punjab offers services including certificates, pensions and water connections. It launched with over 300 services from 12 departments.
What is the purpose of the Pehchaan portal?
Pehchaan helps identify unidentified bodies in government mortuaries. Families in India or abroad can search and claim.
What is the Punjab Mining Management System?
PMMS is a portal for digitising mining approvals, transport monitoring and payments. It began on 3 August 2026.
Sources: GKToday: September 2026, GKToday: August 2026, GKToday: July 2026
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