Shimla Mayor denies claims of toilet usage charges

Shimla, Dec 31,

Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan has dismissed reports suggesting that the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) will impose a ₹5 usage fee for toilets at MC-owned facilities. Speaking to the media, Chauhan clarified that no such proposal has been made and that the charges do not apply to women, even under the current arrangements.

The Mayor explained that the issue arose during a discussion in the MC House regarding a case involving Sulabh International in the High Court. MC Shimla pays ₹2.47 lakh annually to Sulabh International for the upkeep of public toilets but is not involved in their management. In the matter Sulabh International has requested the court’s permission to collect usage charges from both men and women.

“MC Shimla does not support this proposal and will clarify in the next court hearing that it has no intention of implementing such charges now or in the future,” Chauhan stated. He further emphasized that the MC will continue its practice of annual tenders to ensure maintenance without burdening the public.

When a discussion is brought to floor of house, it is discussed among members, but MC Shimla is opposed to this move, Chauhan clarified on a question. ” The management company (Sulabh) made a plea in the  court where the case in pending that they should be allowed to charge. The issue came for discussion to the house and it was stated that, since MC already pays them the tender amount to meet people salary etc, even electricity bills, water bills, beyond that MC Shimla has no role to play in the management of these toilets,” he claimed.

Chauhan attributed the controversy to a misunderstanding of the routine discussion in the MC House, which was misconstrued by some media outlets. He reiterated that the MC remains committed to maintaining its services without compromising the dignity or convenience of its citizens, particularly women.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.