THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Legislative Assembly has introduced the Kerala Panchayat Raj and Kerala Municipality Amendment Bills, 2024. The bills propose a maximum fine of Rs 50,000 and imprisonment up to one year for littering in public places.

Minister MB Rajesh, the bill's proponent, emphasized the government's commitment to fostering private sector involvement in waste management. The legislation places responsibility on individuals for the waste they generate and imposes a non-waivable user fee for Haritha Karmasena.

Notably, the user fee may vary based on house size, the number of members, and commercial establishments' waste generation. However, the bills exempt the very poor from such fees, allowing local bodies to waive fees based on specific directives. Minister Rajesh urged local bodies to transfer waived fees to Harita Karmasena.

The amendments also empower Local Body Secretaries to impose fines of up to Rs 5000 against littering. Unpaid penalties will be considered as arrears in public tax.

Furthermore, public events with over 100 attendees must be reported to the local body, accompanied by a cleanup fee. Informants reporting illegal garbage dumping can receive a one-fourth reward of the fine amount.

In a stern move, Secretaries have the authority to halt other local body services if user fees remain unpaid. The government will penalize local bodies failing to adhere to the legislation.

Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satishan, criticized the proposal stating that deeming other services as tax arrears due to unpaid user fees contradicts the Panchayat Act's objectives.