By MADAN JHA
New Delhi: After demonetisation, using public toilets too will become cashless. Low cost sanitation NGO Sulabh International has embarked on digital transaction for use of its public toilets, doing away with use of coins and low denomination currency notes.
The facility was launched formally by BJP President Amit Shah when he visited Sulabh Complex at Sulabh headquarters in West Delhi on Tuesday.
Sulabh maintains around 8,500 public toilets across the country and the digital payment facility would be introduced at some of the places soon.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shah said it was a matter of shame that even 70 years after Independence, there was still a need to launch a country-wide campaign to make people aware of the benefits of sanitation.
Sulabh Founder Dr Bindeshwar Pathak explained on the occasion that the digital payment could be done through ‘SBI Buddy’ – an e-wallet facility recently launched by state-owned State Bank of India (SBI) to promote digital payment system in the country.
To begin with, the facility was introduced in the national capital and would be extended to other places in due course of time, Dr Pathak said.
Sulabh charges a nominal fee of Rs 5 for using is lavatory and Rs 10 for taking bath. At some places it is free also.
Taking a major step forward towards rural sanitation, Dr Pathak, who was made Brand Ambassador of “Rail Swachch Mission”, recently launched an intensive campaign to ensure toilet for every household in the country by 2019. He said that nearly 12 crore toilets are required to be built by 2019 to realize the dream of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi.
“This is a big task, but together we can do it and all Indians can play a pivotal role. This is a unique opportunity for Corporate houses and business groups to show their love for the country,” he said.
