DJB collects Rs 35 crore from water bills after the launch of late payment surcharge waiver scheme

NEW DELHI: Since the launch of the late payment surcharge (LPSC) waiver scheme on water bills, 20,980 customers have availed the benefits, government officials said on Friday.

According to officials, the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has collected around Rs 35 crore in revenue and given a rebate of about Rs 96 crore so far.

Under the new scheme, consumers are required to pay only the principal amount, while the entire surcharge is being waived off as a one-time relief measure. The LPSC scheme offers waivers on late payment surcharges for consumers who voluntarily clear their old water bills. It primarily targets domestic consumers who have accumulated arrears over the years.

Out of the total pending dues of Rs 16,000 crore, the government aims to recover Rs 5,000 crore of the DJB after waiving the late payment surcharge, which amounts to Rs 11,000 crore.

“To boost public awareness, the government is also considering incentives for meter readers and billing staff based on recovery efficiency – encouraging proactive consumer engagement and faster collections,” Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma said.

The government will also be giving advertisements on DTC buses, Delhi Metro, FM radio, newspapers and digital platforms, along with partnerships with resident welfare associations (RWAs) and community groups, the minister added.

Delhi has waived Rs 11,000 crore in late payment surcharges on domestic water bills till January 31. Of 29 lakh consumers, 15 lakh are eligible. The DJB has collected Rs 32.79 crore and granted Rs 96.30 crore in rebates since the scheme’s launch.