In a significant decision, Orissa has increased water tax for agricultural use, braving the backlash from lakhs of farmers.
The issue has sharply divided the state Cabinet, with some senior ministers criticising the decision openly. Infuriated by the move, panchayat raj minister Surendranath Nayak walked out of the Cabinet meeting which was convened to discuss the issue.
The meeting, presided by chief minister Naveen Patnaik, finally agreed to increase the water cess after a marathon five-hour-long deliberation. This apart, the Cabinet also decided to assess dereservation of panchayat seats in non-scheduled areas and take a fresh look at the list of below poverty line (BPL) families. Being politically sensitive in nature, the proposal to increase water tax
