The Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister CaptainAmarinder Singh on Monday approved One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme forregularisation of unauthorised connections and recovery of arrears on accountof water supply and sewerage charges.
The move is expected to lead to regularization ofapproximately 93000 connections, which would lead to increase in revenue ofUrban Local Bodies (ULBs).
According to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’sOffice, under the domestic category, Rs.200 per connection (Rs.100 each forwater supply and sewerage) would be charged as one-time fee for regularizationof 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) would becharged for plot size between 125 to 250 sq. yd. and Rs. 1000 per connection(Rs.500 each for water supply and sewerage) for over 250 sq. yd. plot.
In the Commercial/Institutional category, Rs. 1000 perconnection (Rs.500 each for water supply and sewerage) would be charged forplot measuring upto 250 sq. yd. and Rs.2000 per connection (Rs.1000 each forwater supply and sewerage) for plot above 25 sq. yd.
No penalty would be charged if said fee is deposited within three monthsfrom the date of notification. For users who do not get their connectionregularized in this period, 100% penalty would be charged on the above feewhile regularizing their connection. Users who do not get their connectionregularized within six months from the date of notification will facedisconnection, and applicable penalty and interest would be charged on pendinguser charges.
After the deposit of the fee, no other charges, like roadcutting, connection fees and security, will be chargeable. Upon thesatisfaction of technical official of the Urban Local Bodies regarding qualityof pipe, size of connection and alignment of water supply line (not below oradjoining sewer line), the connection will be regularised.
No interest and penalty on arrears of water supply andsewerage charges/tax/fees would be charged if the principal amount payable onthe date of notification is paid within a period of three months from the dateof issue of notification. Also, no penalty would be charged if the principalamount of arrears and interest payment is paid after 3 months but within 6months from the date of issue of this notification.
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The failure to deposit arrears within 6 months from thedate of issue of this notification will attract both applicable interest andpenalty, in addition to disconnection by the Municipal Bodies. It is clarifiedthat arrears mean only the principal amount of water supply and seweragecharges.