Goa becomes India's first state to supply free water to people: CM Pramod Sawant
Sawant launched the 'Save Water to Get Free Water' scheme on Tuesday and said Goa will be the first state in the country to provide free water to its people.
FollowPanaji: Making the struggle easier for many of the state’s citizens, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced that the government’s scheme for providing free water up to 16,000 litres per household per month has come into effect from today.
Sawant launched the 'Save Water to Get Free Water' scheme on Tuesday and said Goa will be the first state in the country to provide free water to its people.
During a press conference in Panaji, Sawant said, “Goa will be the first state in the country to give free water to the people. We don’t waste this water; we want to save water to have free water.”
The Chief Minister further added, “From September 1, we are reducing water bills. 16,000 litres of water will be given free of cost. From 1 September, 60 per cent of the households will get zero bills. Those living in flats or complexes will be able to utilise the scheme,” news agency ANI reported.
Also read: PM Modi to release special commemorative coin of Rs 125 on birth anniversary of ISKCON founder
Sawant also announced that small businesses and restaurants will be transferred from the industrial to commercial segment for water billing, due to which, they can also avail the benefit of this scheme.
"Small businesses and restaurants will not have to pay industrial bills anymore. We are moving it to the commercial bill slab, they will be able to save money in a big way. OTS (one-time settlement) has been extended by two months to facilitate payment of pending bills," he said.
The scheme is said to benefit 60% of the people in Goa, who will receive zero water bills from September.
CM Sawant’s announcement of free water came a month on August 15 after Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal announced that if his party is voted to power in Goa, they will provide 300 units of electricity free to every family each month.
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
