DELHI EXTENDS LPSC WAIVER SCHEME TILL AUGUST 15 AFTER OVERWHELMING PUBLIC RESPONSE

The Delhi Government has decided to extend its Late Payment Surcharge (LPSC) Waiver Scheme for water bills until August 15 after it received a strong response from consumers across the city.

- TIKAM SHARMA

According to official data, more than 3.30 lakh consumers have already benefited from the scheme, leading to the waiver of nearly 1,500 crore in penal interest and the recovery of over 430 crore in outstanding principal dues as of January 29.

Officials said the extension was prompted by high public participation and repeated representations from elected leaders, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and consumers.

The move is expected to give more residents an opportunity to settle long-pending water bill arrears without the burden of accumulated interest stemming from past billing irregularities.

Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma termed the response an endorsement of transparent governance and systemic reforms.

"People are willing to pay their water bills, provided the system is honest and bills are accurate. The scale of participation in this scheme shows that citizens cooperate when fairness is ensured," he said.