District Administration, Udhampur, has launched a mammoth initiative for construction of 502 toilets in a short period of 20 days to meet the deadline fixed for achieving universal coverage of schools under Prime Minister’s Swach Vidalaya Campaign. More than 724 toilets under various categories are awaiting construction in 1484 schools across the district.
This ambitious decision was taken in a meeting chaired by District Development Commissioner, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and attended by CPO, ACD, CEO, PO DRDA, BDOs, ZEOs, ZEPOs, AEs and JEs.The DDC expressed serious concern over construction of mere 33 toilets out of 244 under Swach Vidalaya and overall a shortfall in construction of more than 700 toilets including 243 Girl Toilets and 270 general SSA Toilets.
Special teams have been constituted to construct and oversee the progress round the clock for next 20 days. Detailed review was held for each of the toilet unit and explanation of ZEOs has been called for poor performance on this front. In a significant decision construction of 163 toilets was handed over to special teams headed by BDOs, this includes 47 toilets awaiting construction due to cost escalation which will be done in convergence with MGNREGA. Meanwhile ZEOs assisted by technical teams of SSA will be responsible for construction of 95 SVA toilets, 198 Girl Toilets and other general toilets in schools. Action will be initiated against poor performers and achievement will be rewarded by district administration. Photographs of each toilet will have to be uploaded on website. The plan for construction of 502 toilets was finalized after a day long process supervised by the DDC.
The DDC directed for installation of high quality pre-fabricated toilets in remote areas in view of cost escalation due to carriage charges and limited time left for achieving the target. In remaining areas brick and stone masonry will be used. Special quality of cement will have to be used for faster construction. He directed the officers to accept achievable targets and accordingly spill over targets were handed over to rural development department.Dr Shahid lauded the role played by Block Development Officers in the recently concluded Ration Card Gram Sabhas and hoped that ambitious target of 500 odd toilets to be constructed in three weeks will be achieved by them. He asked CPO, ACD, CEO and PO DRDA for daily updation of progress as per the proforma devised for this purpose.