IN KEEPING with the conditions laid down for the Asian Development Bank-funded schemes and the projects under the Union Government-funded Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities have proposed to hike water tariff to Rs 160 per month.
However, the Mayor-in-Council (MiC) returned the proposal to the BMC administration pleading that hike in tax is under the jurisdiction of 66-member BMC general council.
BMC sources said it was proposed that the water tariff be hiked to Rs 160 per month from the present Rs 60 per month for 2006-07. For 2007-08, the water tariff rates should be increased to Rs 170 in view of increasing expenditures, the sources added.
The BMC administration made the commitment in this regard to seek funds from the ADB and Union Government under the JNNURM schemes. The funds come with the strings attached.
The BMC committed to rationalise the taxes so that operation and maintenance cost of schemes could be recovered. When asked, Mayor Sunil Sood said the BMC council would take appropriate decision as it was under its jurisdiction. He, however, said the proposal would not be included in the budget announcements for the next fiscal.
Earlier, the BMC administration had increased the water tax to Rs 150 per month in 2002. When the State Government had termed this increase as illegal in year 2005, the BMC was forced to reduce water tax to Rs 60 per month. Earlier, the then chief minister Babulal Gaur had also announced to reduce the water tax to Rs 60 before the civic polls in the City.
Earlier, the BMC administration had increased the water tax to Rs 150 per month in 2002. When the State Government had termed this increase as illegal in year 2005, the BMC was forced to reduce water tax to Rs 60 per month. Earlier, the then chief minister Babulal Gaur had also announced to reduce the water tax to Rs 60 before the civic polls in the City.