Chandigarh, January 3 – In a landmark decision aimed at providing substantial relief to rural households, the Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, has approved the waiver of outstanding water charges, including surcharge and interest, amounting to Rs 374.28 crore. This move is set to benefit crores of water consumers in general categories and Scheduled Castes across the state.

An announcement to this effect was made by Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal during a Jan Samvad held at Ateli Mandi in the Mahendergarh district.

This decision will extend relief to a substantial 28.87 lakh water connection holders in rural areas across the state. However, this waiver does not extend to institutional, commercial, or industrial consumers falling under the Public Health Engineering department.

The Cabinet has approved the waiver of water charges amounting to Rs 336.35 crore, accumulated from April 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022, for all types of consumers in villages and rural areas. This encompasses general category as well as Scheduled Castes categories.

In addition, the Cabinet has accorded approval for the waiver of surcharge and interest totaling Rs 37.93 crore on water charges accumulated from April 1, 2015, to December 31, 2023, in villages and rural areas.

This decision reflects the government's proactive approach to alleviate the financial burden on rural households, ensuring equitable access to essential resources. It is believed that the waiver will have a positive impact on the lives of a significant number of residents in Haryana.