New Delhi, Jan 30: Delhi Water Minister Parvesh Verma on Friday announced that the Late Payment Surcharge (LPSC) waiver scheme has been extended till August 15, 2026, calling it the first and final extension.
Addressing the media, Verma thanked Delhi residents for responding positively to the scheme and said it showed that people want to clear their dues when given a fair opportunity. The scheme was earlier valid till January 31, 2026.
He alleged that the previous government had sent water bills worth lakhs of rupees even to small households and later promised waivers during elections.
Verma said claims that consumers did not need to pay bills only increased liabilities, as interest kept adding up.
The minister said the government has reduced interest rates and is upgrading Delhi Jal Board’s outdated software systems to improve billing accuracy and transparency.
According to Verma, around 14.68 lakh domestic consumers had pending water bills, out of which more than three lakh have already paid. The total outstanding LPSC amount stood at about Rs 11,011 crore.
He also confirmed that Zonal Revenue Officers were suspended following complaints received during a surprise visit to their offices. The decision to extend the scheme was taken after repeated requests from MPs, MLAs and RWAs, and with the Chief Minister’s approval.
Verma said the government did not want to extend the scheme but system-related issues made it necessary. He urged people not to wait till August 15 and to clear their dues at the earliest.
The government will conduct KYC verification of consumers and further improve the billing system so that people receive clear bills showing the actual amount and surcharge separately. Consumers are encouraged to pay bills online.
He said a water Lok Adalat will be launched for those who feel their bills are incorrect. The government is also in talks with banks to allow instalment-based payments so consumers can pay in parts.
Verma advised residents who remain away from home for long periods to temporarily suspend their water connections to avoid unnecessary meter readings.
He added that a separate scheme offering 100 per cent LPSC waiver for commercial consumers will be announced soon.