Era of Hard Copy Files Ends in Punjab Government Offices

The Punjab government has fully digitized all official paperwork across the Civil Secretariat and its attached offices, marking the end of the traditional paper file system.

According to a spokesperson for the chief secretary, the transition is comprehensive. Every file and document is now processed digitally under the newly introduced e-Filing and Office Automation System (e-FOAS).

All physical files have already been collected from the Secretariat and are being prepared for disposal, officially closing the chapter on paper-based documentation. Officials say the move is part of the government’s broader good governance agenda, aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

With the elimination of manual paperwork, more than 80 percent of the government’s stationery budget will be cut, amounting to millions in annual savings.

The e-FOAS system also allows files to move instantly between departments, replacing slow manual transfers. For the first time, documents can be tracked digitally in real time, giving administrators complete oversight and ensuring a new level of accountability in government operations.