PANJIM, May 11 -- Team Herald

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.

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. T...