Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) recently announced the launch of Citizen Facilitation and Service Centres (CFCs). These centres were set up so that the public could easily communicate with various government departments and agencies. The launch of these centres is still in the launch phase, where one centre is being set up in each divisional headquarter.
In a recent update, PITB has revealed that these centres have already served more than 50,000 satisfied customers. These numbers come from the three centres established in Lahore, Sargodha and Rawalpindi only.
The Citizen Facilitation Centers offer the general public access to most federal and provincial departments, all under one roof. The services include CNIC and NADRA document issuance, Passport services, Weapon license issuance, birth/ death/ marriage registrations, Domicile issuance, fine collections, route permits, local and district government admin related services, motor vehicle registration, FARD issuance. Token Tax collection. However, the availability of these services depends on the individual centre’s progress in integrating with other departments.
The Chairman P&D Board has been appointed as the focal person for the whole project. Local commissioners have been tasked with identifying the ideal locations for setting up these CFCs in each tehsil. All concerned departments, whose services will be offered at the CFCs, have been ordered to automate and computerise their operations so the public can benefit from these centres appropriately.
Increased IT integration within core government departments will improve citizen services and assist the public. Reduction of processing times and streamlined operations in one stop shops is the method chosen by the government. CFC establishment across each district is expanding. After the first phase is completed and one centre is established in each divisional headquarter, more government services will be integrated and additional centres will be established as per requirement. These centres will save time and money for both the government and the citizens.
These Citizen Facilitation Centers have separate waiting areas for ladies and gents. Senior citizens are provided with priority assistance. Each centre has 15 counters and is open from 9AM to 5:30PM.
