Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government’s decision to withdraw the scheme providing 16,000 litres of water per month free (zero billing scheme) is likely to impact approximately 60,000 domestic consumers. The move has evoked sharp criticism from consumers, who benefited from this initiative, with some resorting to judicious use of water by limiting their monthly consumption to avail the scheme.
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Veteran journalist Jovito Lopes, a beneficiary of the scheme, questioned the rationale behind
the withdrawal.
Lopes said, “The government introduced the scheme after due analysis. Why is the government withdrawing it now? Obviously the government had not worked out its budget and the scheme was launched in an unprofessional manner. This is happening because the departments are run by unprofessional people and those in government service are not competent. Withdrawing the scheme is unacceptable.”
AAP leader Francis Coelho said, “I denounce the BJP-led Goa government’s abrupt termination of the ‘Save Water to Get Free Water’ scheme as a calculated betrayal of public trust.”
“Launched with fanfare in September 2021, just months before the 2022 Assembly elections, this initiative was a transparent attempt to counter AAP’s welfare guarantees and sway voters. Now, in May 2025, the scheme has been silently discontinued without public consultation or transparent justification, leaving nearly 60 per cent of Goan households facing new financial burdens,” Coelho said.
“This move exposes the government’s prioritisation of political expediency over genuine public welfare. While citizens grapple with rising living costs and inflation, the administration chooses to withdraw essential support, undermining the very people it pledged to serve. Such actions not only erode public confidence but also highlight a disturbing pattern of policy reversals that disregard the needs of ordinary Goans. I call upon the government to immediately reinstate the free water scheme and to commit to policies that genuinely reflect the interests and welfare of the Goan people,” he demanded.
Former Sankhali civic body chief Rajesh Sawal said, “The 16 cubic metre free water scheme was launched to woo the voters ahead of 2022 Assembly polls. The BJP is known for giving assurances to woo voters and then withdrawing. Take the case of providing 10,000 jobs to unemployed youth and three free LPG cylinders per year per household which could not be fulfilled. The government could not run a zero water bill scheme for five years. The government is fooling the people.”
Shadow Council for Margao convenor Savio Coutinho said, “I condemn the government for withdrawing the zero water bill scheme when the common man is reeling under inflation. Though the government launched the scheme, it simultaneously increased the slab by 5 per cent. When the scheme was launched in September 2021, it was Rs 3.5 per cubic metre upto 25 units it is now Rs 4.25 per cubic metre. We had requested the government to extend a 16,000 litres of water scheme to residential multi-dwelling buildings. When 16 units are multiplied by the 10 dwelling units, there was a huge difference in the number of units that were billed as compared to the units actually consumed water. We had brought it to the notice of the then PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral; but nothing changed.”
According to sources in the Department of Drinking Water, the decision was taken by the government and no information was sought from the department. The scheme was applicable to individual connections and having their water meter functional. Of the 3.47 lakh total consumers including domestic, commercial and industrial consumers about 1.5 lakh (40 per cent) are individual consumers and approximately 60,000 were receiving zero water charges.
When the scheme was launched from September 1, 2021, there were 3.19 lakh water supply connections and nearly 60 per cent were domestic water supply consumers. All individual domestic consumers whose monthly consumption was less than 16 cubic metre or 16,000 litres were receiving zero water bill.
The government was also receiving numerous applications from those residing in multi-dwelling buildings asking for separate individual water connections.
