(1) This Act may be called the Maharashtra 1[Jeevan Authority] Act, 1976.
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,-
1[4. Constitution of 2[the Authority].- (1) On and from the date of commencement of the Maharashtra Water Supply and Sewerage Board (Amendment) Act, 1996 (Mah. XVIII of 1996) (hereinafter in this section referred to as "the commencement date"), in place of the existing Members 2[the Authority] shall consist of the following Members, namely :-
| (a) the Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation. | ex-officio Chairman; |
| 5[(aa) the Minister for Urban Development | ex-officio Co-Chairman; |
| (bb) the Minister for Rural Development | ex-officio Co-Chairman;] |
| (b) the Minister of State for Water Supply and Sanitation. | ex-officio Vice-Chairman; |
| (c) the Minister of State for Urban Development. | ex-officio Vice-Chairman; |
A person shall be disqualified for being appointed or continuing as a non-official Member, if he-
1[6. Term of office of Members.-(1) A person appointed as Member 2[under clause (e) or (f)] of sub-section (1) of section 4 shall hold office for three years from the date of his appointment, unless his term of office is determined earlier by the State Government, by notification in the Official Gazette.
1[6A. Temporary absence of Members.- 2[(1) In the absence of the Chairman, the Minister for Urban Development being the Co-Chairman, and in the absence of the both, the Minister for Rural Development, being the other Co-Chairman, and in the absence of all the said three, the Minister of State for Water Supply and Sanitation, being the Vice-Chairman, and in his absence, the Minister of State for Urban Development, being the other Vice-Chairman, shall be competent to carry out the duties and functions of the Chairman.]
(1) The 1* * * Member-Secretary shall be paid from 2[the Authority] fund such salary and allowances as may be fixed by the State Government.
8. Officers and servants of 1[the Authority] and their recruitment and conditions of service.-(1) 2[The Authority] may appoint such officers and servants as it considers necessary for the efficient performance of its duties and discharge of its functions against posts sanctioned by the State Government. The recruitment and the conditions of service of the officers and servants of 3[the Authority] shall be determined by regulations.
9. Authentication of orders etc. of 1[the Authority].- All proceedings of 2[the Authority] shall be authenticated by the signature of the Chairman or of any Member authorised by the Chairman and all other orders and instruments of 3[the Authority] shall be authenticated by the signature of the Member-Secretary or of any other officer of 4[the Authority] as may be authorised in this behalf by regulations.
1[The Authority] may invite any officer of Government or local body or other person to attend its meeting for the purpose of assisting or advising it on any matter. The person so invited may take part in the proceedings of 2[the Authority], but shall have no right to vote.
Subject to the provisions of this Act, 1[the Authority] may, by general or special order, delegate, either unconditionally or subject to such conditions, including the condition of review by itself, as may be specified in the order, to any committee appointed by it or to the Chairman or the Member-Secretary or any other officer of 2[the Authority] such of its powers, duties and functions under this Act as it deems fit, not being its powers, duties and functions under sections 34, 66 and 67.
12. Disqualification for participation in proceedings of 1[the Authority] or Committee on account of interest.- (1) Any Member of 2[the Authority] or of a committee appointed by 3[the Authority], who-
No act done or proceedings taken under this Act by 1[the Authority] or a committee appointed by 2[the Authority] shall be invalidated merely on the ground of-
14. Duties and functions of 1[the Authority].- The duties and functions of 2[the Authority] shall be as follows, namely :-
15. Powers of 1[the Authority].-(1) 2[The Authority] shall, subject to the other provisions of this Act, have power to do anything which may be necessary or expedient for performing its duties and discharging its functions under this Act.
16. Powers of 1[the Authority] to give directions and to call for returns, reports, etc.-(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, 2[the Authority] may give such directions to any local body, with regard to the implementation of any water supply or sewerage scheme financed by it under clause (a) of section 14, as it thinks fit, and such body shall be bound to comply with such directions.
1[The Authority] may include in the cost of any scheme or work the execution or further execution whereof is undertaken under clause (a) of section 14, supervision and centage charges at such rate, not exceeding such limit as may be prescribed, as it may determine under clause (e) of sub-section (2) of section 15.
18. Vesting and transfer of property to 1[the Authority].- (1) From such different dates as may be specified, from time to time, by the State Government (hereinafter in this section referred to as "the appointed date"),-
Where any doubt or dispute arises as to whether any property or asset has vested in 1[the Authority] under section 18 or any rights, liabilities or obligations have become the rights, liabilities and obligations of 2]the Authority] under that section, such doubt or dispute shall be referred to the State Government, whose decision shall be final.
20. Vesting of existing water supply and sewerage services in 1[the Authority].- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, 2[the Authority] may, at any time, with the previous approval of the State Government take over any water supply and sewerage services for maintenance or augmentation or improvement from any local body, and in such cases-
21. 1[Authority] to assume obligations in respect of matters to which this Act applies for water works taken over from local bodies.- In respect of water works taken over from a local body by 2[the Authority], all debts and obligations incurred, all contracts entered into, all matters and things engaged to be done by, with or for any local body prior to taking over the works by 3[the Authority] shall be deemed to have been incurred, entered into or engaged to be done by, with or for 4[the Authority]; and all suits or other legal proceedings instituted or which might, but for transfer and vesting under sub-section (1) of section 20, have been instituted or defended by or against the local body, may be continued or instituted or defended by or against 5[the Authority].
22. Co-ordination of activities of 1[the Authority] and other local bodies.- If the State Government is of opinion that it is in the public interest that 2[the Authority] and other local bodies having jurisdiction over contiguous areas should co-ordinate their activities in relation to water supply services or a sewerage services or both, it may issue such directions to 3[the Authority] and the other local bodies concerned as it may think fit. It shall be the duty of 4[the Authority] and other local bodies to comply with such directions.
1[22A. Posting and appointment of Engineers in Zilla Parishad, and Maharashtra Jeevan Authority, respectively.- (1) On the directions issued by the State Government, the Authority shall post, from time to time, to work under the Zilla Parishads constituted under the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961 (Mah. V of 1962), such number of Deputy Engineers, (Grade-II) and Executive Engineers (Grade-I), from its cadre of Engineers, having due regard to exigencies of services in the Zilla Parishads for such period and on such terms and conditions as may be decided by the Authority and the concerned Zilla Parishads: Provided that the terms and conditions of service of such persons shall not be less advantageous than those applicable to them immediately before such posting.
1[22AA. Power of State Government to depute Government employees entrusted to Maharashtra Jeevan Authority to Zilla Parishads.- Where on transfer or entrustment of powers and functions of the Authority to the Zilla Parishads or Panchayat Samitis, by or under this Act, any posts in a cadre of Class III or Class IV service of the Authority, have been or are rendered surplus to the requirements of the Authority, the State Government may, having due regard to the increase of work and exigencies of the services in the Zilla Parishads, direct the Authority to depute, from time to time, persons holding posts in such cadres, to the Zilla Parishads for such a period and on such terms and conditions, as may be decided by the State Government in consultation with the Authority, and the Zilla Parishads shall take them on deputation:/hr/1 Provided that, no person so deputed shall be entitled to any deputation allowance or to be repatriated to service under the Authority during his deputation:
1[22AAA. Provisions for voluntary allotment or premature retirement of employees falling under section 22AA.- If any posts, in a cadre of Class III or Class IV service of the Authority have been or are rendered surplus to the requirements of the Authority and are, therefore, required to be abolished, then the State Government may, by general or special order, direct the Authority to give an option to the concerned employees to assent to be finally allotted to the Zilla Parishads or permit them to retire prematurely from the service of the Authority from such date as may be specified in the order, by the State Government. The position in this behalf shall be conveyed by the Authority to the State Government and the State Government may, by an order in the Official Gazette, allot such surplus staff to each of the Zilla Parishads with due regard to the exigencies of services; and such Zilla Parishad shall take them over from the said date:
23. Transfer of 1[certain] Government employees to 2[the Authority].- (1) On and after the establishment of 3[the Authority], the State Government may, from time to time, direct that the services of such of the existing officers and servants of the State Government in the Maharashtra Environmental Engineering Service, 4[who belong to the categories of officers and servants referred to in entries (1) and (2) in clause (xiii) of section 2 and] who in its opinion, are rendered surplus to its requirements, shall stand terminated and their posts shall stand abolished, from such date as may be specified by it (hereinafter in this section referred to as "the appointed date") and shall on that date (which may be different for different officers and servants) become the officers or servants of 5[the Authority].
1[23A. Power of State Government to depute certain Government employees to 2[the Authority].- (1) Where on account of conferment of any powers, duties and functions on 3[the Authority] by or under this Act, in the opinion of the State Government, any posts in the Maharashtra Environmental Engineering Service of any officers and servants belonging to categories referred to in entries (3) and (4) in clause (xiii) of section 2, have been rendered or are likely to be rendered surplus wholly or partially, to the requirements of the State Government, or where the services of any such officers and servants are required by 4[the Authority] for efficient exercise of its powers, performance of its duties or discharge of its functions, the State Government, the Head of the Department of the State Government or any officer authorised by the State Government in this behalf may, from time to time, having regard to the necessity therefor, by order depute such officers and servants to 5[the Authority] and 6[the Authority] shall take them over and employ them on deputation, subject to the provisions of this section.
Every contract or assurance of property on behalf of 1[the Authority] shall be in writing and executed by such authority or officer and in such manner as may be provided by regulations.
25. 1[Authority Fund.- 2[The Authority] shall have its own fund to be called "the 3[Authority] Loan Fund", which shall also be deemed to be a local fund and to which shall be credited all moneys received by or on behalf of 4[the Authority] by way of loans.
26. Other funds of 1[the Authority].- (1) 2[The Authority] shall also have another fund to be called "the Loan Fund", which shall also be deemed to be a local fund and to which shall be credited all moneys received by or on behalf of 3[the Authority] by way of loans. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 25 or sub-section (1) of this section, 4[the Authority] may, with the previous approval of the State Government constitute such other funds as may be necessary for the efficient performance of duties and discharge of its functions under this Act.
27. General principles for 1[the Authority] finance.- (1) 2[The Authority] shall not, as for as practicable, and after taking credit for any grant or subvention from the State Government under section 58, carry on its operation under this Act at a loss.
28. Grants and subventions to 1[the Authority].- The State Government may, under appropriation duly made in this behalf, from time to time, make grants and subventions to 2[the Authority] for the purposes of this Act, on such terms and conditions as the State Government may determine.
29. Loans to 1[the Authority].- The State Government, from time to time, advance loans to 2[the Authority] on such terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as the State Government and 3[the Authority] may agree upon.
30. Initial contribution of Government to 1[the Authority] Fund.- Under appropriation duly made in this behalf, the State Government may make an initial contribution to 2[the Authority] Fund of rupees one crore or such lesser sum as it thinks fit.
31. Powers to borrow and relend.- (1) 1[The Authority] may, from time to time, with the previous sanction of the State Government and subject to the provisions of this Act and to such conditions as the State Government may, by general or special order, impose, borrow any moneys required for the purposes of this Act by making arrangements with the Banks or other bodies or institutions by the State Government for this purpose.
1[The Authority] shall create a depreciation reserve and make annual provision therefor in accordance with such principles as may be prescribed.
The State Government may guarantee the repayment of any loan and payment of interest on all or any of the loans given or transferred to 1[the Authority] for the purposes of this Act.
(1) 1[The Authority] shall, before the commencement of, and may at any time during a financial year, prepare a statement or a supplementary statement, as the case may be, of the programme of its activities during that year as well as a financial estimate in respect thereof and the same shall be submitted to the State Government in such form and by such dates as the State Government may, by general or special order, direct, for the previous approval of the State Government:
(1) 1[The Authority] shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, fix the cost of water to be supplied according to volume, and also the minimum cost to be charged in respect of each connection.
(1) 1[The Authority] shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, fix the cost of disposal of waste water according to its volume (which may be such percentage of the volume of total water supplied to the consumer as may be prescribed), and also the minimum cost to be charged in respect of such disposal.
(1) 1[The Authority] may provide water meters and charge such rent for the meter as may be provided in the bye-laws.
1[The Authority] may by bye-laws provide for requiring any consumers or class of consumers to deposit such sums as may be specified therein as security for prompt payment of its dues and due performance of the conditions subject to which services are rendered to them. It shall be lawful for 2[the Authority] to recover its dues from the amount so deposited.
39. Recovery of sums due to 1[the Authority].- Any sum due to 2[the Authority] on account of cost of water, cost of disposal of waste water, meter rent, fees, charges or otherwise under this Act, shall, without prejudice to any other mode of recovery, be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.
The supply of water for domestic purposes under this Act means supply for any purpose, except the following, namely :-
No person shall, except in such circumstances or subject to such conditions as may be provided by the bye-laws, use or allow to be used water supplied by 1[the Authority] for domestic purposes for any other purpose.
(1) No person, other than a plumber licensed by 1[the Authority] shall execute any work in respect of a water connection not being work of a trivial nature and no person shall permit any such work to be executed by a person other than a licenced plumber.
(1) No owner or occupier of any premises to which water is supplied by 1[the Authority] shall cause or suffer any water to be wasted, or cause or suffer the service pipe or any tap or other fitting or work connected therewith to remain out of repair so as to cause wastage of water.
(1) 1[The Authority] may cut off the water supply from any premises-
(1) No person shall-
The owner or occupier of any premises shall be entitled to empty sewage of the premises into a sewer of 1[the Authority], provided that, before doing so, he,-
Where any premises are in the opinion of 1[the Authority], without sufficient means of effectual disposal of sewage and sewer of 2[the Authority] is situated at a distance of fifty metres from any part of the premises, 3[the Authority] may, by written notice, require the owner of the said premises to have sewer connection as provided by bye-laws.
No person shall, without the permission of 1[the Authority], make or cause to be made any connection or communication with any sewer of 2[the Authority].
No person shall, without the permission of 1[the Authority], construct any private street, building or other structure on any sewer of 2[the Authority].
1[The Authority] may, for the purpose of ventilating any sewer or cess-pool, whether vested in 2[the Authority] or not, erect upon any premises or affix to the outside of any building, or to any tree, any shaft or pipes as may appear to it to be necessary.
(1) Where it appears to 1[the Authority] that there are reasonable grounds for believing that private sewer or cess-pool is in such condition as to be prejudicial to public health or to be a nuisance or that a private sewer communicating directly or indirectly with a sewer of 2[the Authority] is so defective as to admit sub-soil water or grit or other materials 3]the Authority] may examine its condition and for that purpose may apply any test, not being a test by water under pressure, and if it deems it necessary, open the ground.
No person shall-
(1) Any officer or servant of 1[the Authority] authorised by it in that behalf, may, or without assistants or workmen, enter into or upon any premises in order-
Any officer or servant authorised by 1[the Authority] in that behalf may have any tank, pool or well, cleaned or disinfected after notice to the owner or occupier, if any, when it appears that such cleaning or disinfection will prevent or check the spread of any dangerous disease. The cost of cleaning or disinfection shall be recoverable by 2[the Authority] from the owner or occupier of such tank, pool or well.
Whoever contravenes the provisions of this Act or of any rule or bye-law or fails to comply with any notice, order or requisition issued under this Act or any rule or bye-law, shall, on conviction, be punished with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and with further fine which may extend to fifty rupees for every day on which such contravention or failure continues after the first conviction.
No Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act, except on the complaint of 1[the Authority] made within six months next after the commission of the offence.
(1) Where an offence under this Act has been committed by a company, every person who at the time the offence was committed was responsible to the company for the conduct of its business as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly:
It shall be lawful for any officer of 1[the Authority] authorised by it in this behalf to arrest and hand over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station any person who commits or is suspected to have committed offence punishable under section 55 and who on demand refuses to give his true name and address or where there is reason to believe that the name or address given by him is not correct. Such police officer shall adopt such legal measures as may be necessary to cause that person to be taken before a Magistrate with the least possible delay.
(1) The Member-Secretary or any other officer of 1[the Authority] authorised by it by general or special order in that behalf may, either before or after this institution of proceedings for any offence punishable under this Act, accept from any person charged with such offence by way of composition of the offence a sum not exceeding two thousand rupees, as he thinks proper.
60. Directions to 1[the Authority] on questions of policy.- (1) In the performance of its duties and discharge of its functions, 2[the Authority] shall be guided by such directions on questions of policy as may be given to it, from time to time, by the State Government.
61. Annual report, statistics, returns and other information by 1[the Authority].- (1) 2[The Authority] shall, as soon as may be after the end of each financial year, prepare and submit to the State Government before such date and in such form as the State Government may direct, a report giving an account of its activities during the previous financial year, and the report shall also give an account of the activities, if any, which are likely to be undertaken by 3[the Authority] in the next financial year.
(1) All local bodies shall render such help and assistance and furnish such information to 1[the Authority] and shall make available for the inspection and examination of (and if necessary, preparation of copies from) such records, maps, plans and other documents as 2[the Authority] may require to perform and discharge its duties and functions under this Act.
In any case not otherwise expressly provided for in this Act, 1[the Authority] may pay reasonable amount as compensation to any person who sustains damage by reason of the exercise of any power vested by or under this Act in 2[the Authority].
No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the State Government, 1[the Authority] or the Members or any officer or servant of the State Government or of 2[the Authority] for anything which is in good faith done or purported or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or any rules, regulations or bye-laws.
(1) The power to make rules under this Act shall be exercisable by the State Government by notification in the Official Gazette.
(1) 1[The Authority] may, with the previous approval of the Government, making regulations, consistent with this Act and the rules, for the administration of its affairs. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely :-
(1) 1[The Authority] may, with the previous approval of the State Government, make bye-laws consistent with this Act and the rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act in respect of any matter affecting the general public.