Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has extended the Late Payment Surcharge Waiver Scheme for domestic water consumers until August 15. The scheme has seen significant participation, with over 3.30 lakh consumers benefiting from a waiver of nearly Rs 1,500 crore in penal interest. Responding to public demand, the government decided on the extension due to positive feedback and support from residents and consumer groups.
Buoyed by the response, Parvesh Sahib Singh emphasized the citizens’ rejection of past misgovernance and their endorsement of reform-driven administration. The Minister highlighted the citizens’ desire for honesty, transparency, and accurate billing, stating that the scheme aims to correct past injustices rather than just provide waivers. The government also aims to address outstanding dues from non-domestic consumers, emphasizing the need for accountability across all sectors.
Acknowledging the need for financial discipline, the Minister emphasized that reforms would not be limited to domestic consumers but would also target large defaulters, including government offices and private entities. The extension of the scheme aims to provide citizens with a fair opportunity to settle their dues before stricter enforcement measures are implemented. The government’s efforts have already shown positive results, with a significant increase in principal dues collected compared to previous schemes.
