The Delhi government has announced significant relief for the public regarding outstanding water bills, promising freedom from hefty charges for Delhi residents. According to the Minister of Water, Pravesh Verma, many consumers were receiving inflated water bills, which included a late payment surcharge (LPSC). The government has now decided to waive these extra charges. Verma explained that Delhi citizens previously faced a 5% interest rate on water bills, along with late fees. However, the government has decided to offer relief, reducing the late payment surcharge from 5% to 2%. This decision is expected to bring considerable relief to Delhi residents, who currently have approximately 87,589 crore rupees in arrears, including about 80,463 thousand crore in late surcharges. The Water Minister clarified that this LPSC waiver is the first and last scheme during the current government’s tenure.
Pravesh Verma stated that the high bills were not due to actual water consumption but rather a 5% monthly compounding interest. This system has been eliminated. The interest rate has been reduced to 2%, and up to 100% of the surcharge is being waived. Previously, the Delhi Jal Board had a 5% compounding interest system, which caused a 100 rupee bill to increase to 178 rupees. Now, with the interest rate reduced to 2%, a 100 rupee bill will only reach 130 rupees with compounding.
To ensure the public benefits from this scheme, the Delhi government will organize camps in DJB colonies. These camps will provide information about outstanding bills, waived amounts, and the entire process. The scheme will be in effect until March 31, 2026. The government has made it clear that the benefits will not be available after this date. Furthermore, DJB has decided to legalize illegal water connections.
Domestic category: Fees reduced from approximately ₹26,000 to 1,000
Non-domestic category: Fees reduced from approximately ₹61,000 to 5,000
The scheme will be implemented until March 31, 2026.
The government has clearly stated that this decision will provide relief to the people of Delhi and will also facilitate the recovery of the crores of rupees in pending bills.