Govt waives late surcharge on water bills to boost coffers

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will waive late payment surcharges (LPSC) on all domestic and government connection water bills-charges that account for 90% of pending dues-starting next month, water minister Parvesh Verma announced on Friday, saying the rebate, expected to run into crores, will provide relief to a large segment of consumers.

- Snehil Sinha

The minister said the surcharge waiver will apply to all bills pending till September 2025, while any bill due from October will attract a 2% surcharge instead of the current 5%.

Following the DJB's 174th board meeting, Verma said the move would be an early Diwali gift for Delhi residents, available both online and offline at special camps set up across all residential areas. This one-time scheme will be open until the end of January, with an extension until March with reduced rebates. Teams will assist consumers in calculating dues, guide them on availing the waiver, and help clear outstanding payments.

"The scheme will be launched on an auspicious day early next month. People can pay their bills to get a 100% LPSC waiver until January. For those who pay later, we will extend the scheme for two more months until March, but only a 70% waiver will be provided during the extension," Verma said.