Punjab CM launches OTS scheme to regularise illegal water-sewer connections
The Punjab Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, on Monday approved a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for the regularisation of illegal water-sewer connections and the recovery of arrears on account of water supply and sewerage charges.
The Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, says the move is expected to regularise nearly 93,000 illegal water-sewer connections, which would lead to an increase in the revenue of urban local bodies.
According to a spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office, under the domestic category, Rs 200 per connection (Rs 100 each for water supply and sewerage) would be charged as a one-time fee for the regularisation of water supply and sewerage connection for plot measuring up to 125 sq yd; Rs 500 per connection (Rs 250 each for water supply and sewerage) for plot size between 125 and 250 sq yd and Rs 1,000 per connection (Rs 500 each for water supply and sewerage) for over 250 sq yd plot.
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In the commercial/institutional category, Rs 1,000 per connection (Rs 500 each for water supply and sewerage) would be charged for plot measuring up to 250 sq yd and Rs 2,000 per connection (Rs 1,000 each for water supply and sewerage) for plot above 25 sq yd.
The Punjab Cabinet decided that no penalty would be charged if the said fee is deposited within three months from the date of notification. For users, who do not get their connection regularised in this period, 100 per cent penalty would be charged on the above fee while regularising their connection.
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No interest and penalty on arrears of water supply and sewerage charges/tax/fees would be charged if the principal amount payable on the date of notification is paid within a period of three months from the date of issue of notification.
The failure to deposit arrears within six months from the date of issue of this notification will attract both applicable interest and penalty, in addition to disconnection by the municipal bodies.
-PTC News
