The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has established new water regulations in the capital under which no consumer can charge more than 1.5 times the amount of the previous month’s bill.

According to DJB Minister Satyendar Rai, when the difference in consumption is 50% higher or lower than the previous month’s bill, an automatic system has been established to self-regulate the meter reader’s tablet. The minister said that such a system would strengthen the board’s revenue management system.

“Now your bill cannot exceed 1.5 times the amount of the previous month. If it exceeds this, an explanation will be provided to the customer and he or she can file a complaint. The board of directors will be responsible for any errors,” Satyendar Jain said in a statement on Thursday .

If the current month’s water bill is 50% higher or lower than the previous month’s water bill, the regional revenue office will only generate a new water bill after the meter reading image confirms the consumption. “This step will curb the erroneous reading of the bill that is being produced,” the minister was quoted in the statement.

In addition, in order to maintain vigilance on the water fee system, tax officials will conduct random meter reading image audits. These “meter readers” officials will go to the scene in person to re-check the meter reading images to ensure that the meter reading is not incorrect or incorrect. If some incorrect images are found to be entered, the inspector has been authorized to take severe measures against the relevant meter readers.

According to HT’s sister publication Live Mint, there are currently about 900 meter readers providing readings to about 2.65 million consumers in 41 districts of Delhi classified by DJB. Of these, only about 1.8 million consumers enjoy zero bills under Delhi’s free water plan.

According to Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain, Delhi’s new meter reading rotation system will make the billing system “more powerful and more transparent”. Under this new system, meter readers will be replaced every billing cycle, thereby reducing any potential loopholes or discrepancies in existing meter readers.

The minister said: “This will lead to the smooth operation of the system and will eradicate any type of corruption involved.”

Complete News Source : Hindustan times