Imparting momentum to Prime Minster Narendra Modi's Clean India mission, the BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh government has made it mandatory for its employees in rural areas to have toilets at their houses in order to spread awareness about hygiene in remote areas.
A circular in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand, a senior official of the state Public Relations department said today.
"The circular 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," the official said.
Since they live among villagers, they should promote use of toilets by setting personal example of themselves and bring about a major change in the attitude of people regarding the importance of hygiene, the official said.
The circular has been conveyed to the Chairman of Revenue Board at Bilaspur, Departmental Heads, Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors and CEOs of Zilla Panchayats in this regard.
It said under the Clean India Mission (rural), the Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has suggested that all government, semi-government employees and those receiving honorarium for their service to the 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 have it 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.
It also asked the departmental heads to ensure that these instructions are compulsorily followed by employees as well as teachers, police constables, anganwadi and health workers, civic officials, literacy inspirers and patwaris posted in rural areas.
