The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation has decided to charge user fees to collect garbage from residential and commercial establishments. However, political parties, other than the BJD, have opposed the move. Citizens, too, appear confused. The Telegraph finds answers to frequently asked questions 

What is user fee?

User fee is a charge collected by the municipal corporation from citizens for providing services such as parking and ensuring drainage connectivity. In February last year, the corporation had notified that people would have to pay for littering and dumping of garbage. The fee will depend on the built-up area of residential and commercial establishments.

Who will pay user fee?

Every household, hotels, hospitals, industries and other institutions, including slum dwellers listed in Rajiv Awas Yojna, will have to pay the fee every month. One can also opt for a one-time annual payment.

How and where to pay?

User fee can be paid at the corporation's janseva kendras or to tax collectors.

What if someone fails to pay on time?

According to the rules, anyone who fails to pay the fees on time will be punished with a fine up to Rs 200 in the next month. In case it continues, the user will be fined with an additional charge that will extend up to Rs 100 per day from the third defaulting month.

Why are people opposed to user fee?

After the new rules came into force, political parties and residents objected to it saying there were being twice charged for the same service. They claimed that when holding tax took care of waste management, why impose an extra fee. However, corporation officials say holding tax does not have any connection with user fee. The user fee rules have been framed in accordance with the Orissa Municipal Act of 1950. They claim that the Centre's revised rules for solid waste management mandate collection of user fees. If the civic body fails to implement it, the corporation will be deprived of central grants.

How will user fees benefit the corporation?

Corporation officials say they spend nearly Rs 40 crore annually on solid waste management. Through the imposition of use fee they hope to collect around Rs 25 crore.