UNDER THIS VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE SCHEME, CONSUMERS CAN REGULARISE THEIR UNAPPROVED CONNECTIONS FREE OF COST
LAST DATE TO APPLY UNDER VDS IS JULY 15, 2020
CHANDIGARH, JUNE 13, 2020: The Punjab Government has notified Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (VDS) for the consumers having unapproved water connection in rural areas of Punjab. Under this scheme Water Supply & Sanitation Department offers an opportunity to Consumers, for Voluntary Disclosure and free of cost regularisation of their unapproved connection. As per the policy no charges will be taken from consumers for the previous usage of water if any.
Disclosing this in a press communiqué Mrs. Razia Sultana, Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that this scheme will be formally launched on June 15, 2020 and last date to apply under VDS is July 15, 2020. She said that new connections can also be applied during this period. Details of the scheme can be obtained from website of Department of Water Supply & Sanitation pbdwss.gov.in from 8 am to 6 pm.
Mrs. Razia Sultana said that consumers can also apply by calling on Toll Free No. 1800-103-6999 and the representative of the Department shall get the form filled-up from the applicant themselves. Applicants can download copy of application form from the department website and can also submit online request there. It can be filled-up through scanning QR code printed in the advertisement of VDS also. Application form can be obtained and submitted physically to the nearest Water Works, Section office or Sub-division office of DWSS.
The Water Supply and Sanitation Minister said that department has planned to conduct third party comprehensive household survey of all the rural households in Punjab from July onwards. During the survey, if any consumer is found with unapproved connection after closure of VDS i.e. 15.07.20, his/her connection will be disconnected and charges will be collected form him/her towards unapproved usage of water in the past.
The Minister further said that the department of water supply and sanitation is hopeful of getting huge response from the citizen with regard to this scheme. She said that the launch of this scheme is a significant step towards Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) launched by GoI in partnership with the States, to enable every household in villages to have Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC). Mrs Razia Sultana reiterated that Department is committed to provide drinking water of prescribed quality on regular and long-term basis to every rural household of Punjab by March, 2022.