Sukhu Govt Announces Repeal of Water Charges for Rural Consumers in Himachal
Shimla, 28 February: In a big relief to rural families, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh has decided to withdraw water charges for domestic consumers in rural areas. Lakhs of families currently paying water bills in the state, especially in the rural pocket will be exempt from it after the Chief Minister’s directive issued during a meeting with related officials.
This decision comes after a lot of feedback from villagers when a large number of villagers requested continuation of free water service. Previously, it had been decided by the state government to charge rural household water consumers a fee of Rs 100 per month from October 1, 2024, as a financial recovery move. However, under pressure from the public outcry, the government has reversed the policy and will continue to provide free water to rural households.
A Move Grounded in Public Sentiment
In a statement issued here today, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s Principal Media Advisor, Naresh Chauhan said that the government had solicited public views on the proposal for water charges extensively. They wanted their water service to be free, the response from the rural residents was clear. According to this demand, the government resolved to support the needs of rural consumers, especially poorer sectors living in town. The decision is seen as an interim step in providing some financial relief to the estimated 17 lakh rural households going to benefit by the intensified waiver.
Impact on Rural Consumers
For families in rural Himachal Pradesh, the immediate relief has been the withdrawal of the water bill. Approximately 9.5 lakh new water connections had been given under the Jal Jeevan Mission – aimed to make water tap supply to each household of rural areas – according to the government figures. Thousands of villages in the state have already benefitted from this initiative.
Free Water was a flagship policy during the time of the previous government led by BJP. But after the Congress government came to power, the party blamed the state’s financial condition for imposing the water charges. This recent decision, undone, has been welcomed by the rural public, especially which has been grappling with the issue of paying water tariffs.
What Else About Consumers Who Paid the Bills?
Evolving from this decision is a question if water charges already collected from consumers will be refunded. While the Jal Shakti Department is yet to issue formal direction for refunds, a scheme is expected to be subsequently announced by the government for the consumers who paid for the months prior to the policy being rolled back. Details on the refund process are yet to be finalised, but to avoid further dissatisfied public, it is expected that the government will take care of this issue quickly.
Financial Impact on the Government
While the move has been cheered as a victory for rural constituents, it also puts a financial burden on the state government. Himachal Pradesh had been grappling with a huge fiscal deficit and the loss of income from the water charges could impact the state’s budget. Now, it is up to the government to balance its finances while promising to continue basic services (such as water) in the villages.
On the whole, this decision has received an overwhelming response from people in rural Himachal Pradesh; however, the big question that needs an answer is how the state intends to compensate for the revenue loss as a result of waiver of water charges. However, the Sukhu government’s decision also demonstrates its willingness to address the peoples’ demands and act for the benefit of the most vulnerable sections of the state.
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