New Policy to Ensure Fairness and Support Toilet Maintenance

Shimla, December 30: In a significant move to ensure gender equality and improve the maintenance of public facilities, the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) has introduced a new fee for using public toilets in the city, effective from the New Year. This decision comes in response to the High Court’s directives, which highlighted the need for equal charges for both men and women when using public toilets.

Previously, the MC charged women ₹5 for using the toilets, while men enjoyed free access. However, under the new policy, the same fee will be levied for both genders at 30 public toilets in Shimla, especially in high-traffic areas.

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Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surendra Chauhan clarified that the decision was made to uphold the principle of gender equality. Additionally, shopkeepers and their employees will be given special cards and charged a fixed fee of ₹100 to ₹150 per month. While the general public will pay the same fee as women, the aim is to cover the costs of toilet cleaning and maintenance, ensuring the facilities remain clean and functional for everyone.

The Mayor emphasized that this move should not be seen as a “toilet tax” but rather a necessary measure to maintain and improve public sanitation services.

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