Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has convened an all-party meeting scheduled for Thursday to discuss the issue of escalating water bills in the national capital. The meeting is set to take place at 4 pm at the CM’s residence, aiming to deliberate on potential solutions to alleviate the burden faced by consumers.
as reported by ANI, Sources within the Kejriwal government revealed plans to introduce a one-time settlement scheme concerning the surge in water bills, which will be a focal point of discussion during the all-party meeting. This initiative seeks to provide relief to consumers grappling with outstanding dues, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the public.
The announcement comes on the heels of a previous initiative unveiled by CM Kejriwal on June 14, 2023, wherein he introduced the ‘One Time Settlement Scheme’ to tackle pending water bills. With approximately 27.6 lakh consumers in Delhi, a staggering 11.7 lakh consumers have been burdened with outstanding dues amounting to a total of Rs 5,737 crore, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Under the proposed scheme, slated to commence from August 1, the government plans to waive off pending water bills for 7 lakh consumers, offering significant relief to those grappling with financial constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. CM Kejriwal underscored the challenges faced by residents, citing reasons such as inaccurate meter readings and erroneous billing procedures.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, CM Kejriwal emphasized the need for prompt action to alleviate the burden on consumers. The proposed scheme categorizes bills based on meter readings, aiming to streamline the settlement process and expedite resolution for affected households.
Moreover, CM Kejriwal expressed confidence in the scheme’s efficacy, asserting that it will substantially benefit the majority of consumers. The proposal has received approval from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), with plans for formalities to be completed before its implementation on August 1, subject to cabinet approval.
Furthermore, CM Kejriwal outlined the timeline for the scheme, specifying a three-month window for consumers to settle their bills under the new framework. However, failure to adhere to the payment deadline would result in reverting to the previous billing policy, underscoring the importance of timely compliance.
In conclusion, CM Kejriwal reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the longstanding issue of water bills, promising to introduce comprehensive policies aimed at addressing underlying challenges in meter readings and billing procedures. Details regarding these initiatives will be disclosed to the public in due course, underscoring the government’s proactive approach towards ensuring the welfare of Delhi residents.
