Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 17: The state government has set a target of constructing 20 lakh toilets by March 2016, informed Rural development secretary PK Mahapatra Friday.
“As part of successful implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission, we have a target of constructing 20 lakh toilets in Orissa by March 2016,” Mahapatra said during a workshop on Swachh Bharat Mission here.
“As part of the cleanliness and sanitation drive the state government has plans to build 79 lakh toilets,’’ he said
The workshop aims at providing necessary information to field officers on proper implementation of the drive which was attended by collectors of eight districts and other field officers.
The officials and collectors were asked to extend the date of base-line survey till April 30 for selection of beneficiaries to set up toilets in their houses. Officials were also asked to expedite the process of providing forms to the households and notify names of the beneficiaries at Panchayat offices.
Mahapatra also said each beneficiary will be provided Rs 12,000 to set up toilets under the mission.
Poor toilet facility at schools was focused at the workshop. Admitting this, School and mass education department secretary Usha Padhee asked the collectors to indentify schools which do not have toilets or have toilets defunct and expedite the process of construction, repair toilets in such schools. Padhee said by July-end the government will build toilets in at least 50 per cent high schools where there are no toilets.
Health secretary Arati Ahuja spoke about the other aspects of sanitation and cleanliness needs to be paid attention in proper implementation of this mission.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary GC Pati and Union secretary of drinking water and sanitation Vijaylaxmi Joshi.