Want salary? Build toilet first: J&K govt

Jammu and Kashmir government has blocked the salaries of more than 643 employees for failing to construct toilets at home in Padder valley, Kishtwar district.

"I have stopped the salary of 616 employees in Paddar sub division and of 27 employees in Nagsceni block," said Angreez Singh Rana, district development commissioner of Kishtwar. "I had issued instructions 15 days ago to construct the toilets, failing which appropriate action shall be initiated."

The decision was taken after an assistant commissioner's report highlighted the lack of personal toilets in the Paddar block. The government has fixed a target of constructing 45,000 toilets in the district. So far 27,000 have been built. "We provide a subsidy of Rs 12,000 to economically backward people," Rana said

Numberdars, chowkidars, those working in the education and police departments are some of the employees who find themselves salary-less this month. Notably, none of the employees is a gazetted-rank or senior officer.

"I want to send a message that charity begins at home," said Rana. "Why do government employees, who are well-paid, not have toilets at home? Why are they defecating openly?" He is adamant to not release salaries until toilets are built. "Sauchalay banao aur salary pao," says the tough-talking boss.

LOOS-TALK

• Salaries of more than 643 govt employees in Padder Valley has been withheld
• Subsidy of Rs 12,000 is available for economically backward families
• Government’s target is 45,000 loos in the district; 27,000 have been built so far