BJP dares Cong over proposed tax on water

New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) BJP Delhi unit chief Harshvardhan today dared Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit to get an amendment making taxable the use of water from wells, handpumps and tubewells passed in the impending session of Legisative Assembly.

A press release, issued by the party, described the proposed amendment as ''anti-people, cruel and ill-advised.'' The BJP leader expressed confidence that the proposed amendment to Delhi Jal Board Bill 2005 would meet the same fate as in the Monsoon session following an uproar blurring the differences between the Congress and the BJP.

The amendment, if passed, will make dearer the use of water from wells, tubewells and handpumps, according to the release, adding the party will not allow the amendment to be passed in the house.

''Delhi Jal Board itself admits to catering only to the 30 per cent of the population, forcing the rest to fend for themselves,'' it said, wondering how the people could be blamed for making arrangements on their own.

''More than 50 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies and jhuggies drink water from the wells, handpumps and tubewells. The tax will add to their miseries. They will face arrest,'' the release added.

UNI SSS SHB DB1902