Now, women can use loos in E Delhi eateries
2,500 restaurants and hotels that have been issued health trade licenses by the civic body will have to comply with the order
It is time to rejoice for the women in east Delhi, where the state of public toilets is better not mentioned. Following in the footsteps of its south Delhi counterpart, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) on Tuesday passed an order, allowing women and children access to toilets in restaurants and eateries. Not only that but there will be no charge on using these toilets.
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) had passed the order on May 1 this year. There, however, men are also allowed in these toilets. This is yet another step in the direction of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), officials said.
East Delhi Mayor Neema Bhagat said: "The Corporation has taken a decision to allow women and children to use toilets in hotels and restaurants falling under its jurisdiction. After a consultation with the owners and associations of hotels and restaurants, we arrived at a consensus. An order to this effect has been issued by the Additional Commissioner (Health)."
Women and kids will be able to access restrooms in over 2,500 restaurants and hotels,which have been issued health trade licenses by the civic body, in the area. "Awareness is being raised about the policy. Our teams are putting up posters, stickers, and banners at restaurants and hotels, so that there is no confusion and full compliance with the decision," Municipal Commissioner Mohanjeet Singh said.
The civic body is at present finalising the modalities of the amount that can be imposed as penalty on defaulters. Meanwhile, the north Corporation, too, is working on the proposal.
"We are in talks with the hotel and restaurant owners' associations in the area to finalise the details of the policy. It is under consideration," YS Mann, spokesperson for the north and east Corporations, said.
In all, there are around 550 toilets, including urinals and community toilet complexes (CTCs), under the east Corporation.
NDMC may implement
The East Delhi Municipal Corporation is at present finalising the modalities of the amount that can be imposed as penalty on defaulters. Meanwhile, the north Corporation, too, is working on the proposal. In all, there are around 550 toilets, including urinals and community toilets.