Mandatory for govt employees to have toilets

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Government has made it mandatory for its employees posted in rural areas to build toilets at their residences to spread awareness about the importance of hygiene in remote areas.
“In a circular, the state government has instructed that under ‘Clean India Campaign’, it is compulsory for government officials/employees posted in rural areas to build toilets in their homes and use the same,” a government public relations official said on Monday.
As these government employees live amid common people in villages, hence they can play an important role in effectively promoting use of toilets, the PRO said, adding that their contribution can bring about a major change in the attitude of people and spread awareness on the importance of hygiene.
Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand issued a circular yesterday from Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan) to the Chairman of Revenue Board Bilaspur, Departmental Heads, Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors and CEOs of Jila Panchayats in this regard.
As per the circular, under the ‘Clean India Mission’ (rural), the Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has suggested to ensure that all government, semi-government employees and those receiving honorarium for their service in government and local bodies, posted in rural areas, should have toilets in their homes.
In case any of these employees do not have toilets in their houses, they should ensure construction of one within next three months, the official said.
“The circular also stated that to ensure compliance to these instructions, permanent officials/employees should be made to sign affidavit and avowal that they have toilets in their houses and they are using it,” the official said.
While the contractual employees’ term would only be extended when they ensure construction of toilets in their houses and submit affidavit along with avowal regarding the same, the service period of daily wagers and employees on honorarium will be extended only when they go for construction and use of toilets in their homes, he said.
The instructions should be compulsorily followed by officials/employees of various departments, teachers, ‘shikshakarmis’, constables, aanganwadi workers, assistants, health workers, kotwar, employment exchange assistant, panchayat secretary, literacy inspirer and patwari posted in rural areas. (PTI)