Bhubaneswar: The state government has decided to make the use of public toilets, community toilets and hybrid toilets free till August 31.
In a letter to urban local bodies, G Mathivathanan, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development department has said that considering the financial strain on daily workers and street vendors due to the lockdown, the user fee for public/community/hybrid toilets should be waived.
Besides, the waiver would help prevent spread of coronavirus as small currencies in the form of coins will not exchange hands.
The facility providers including Sulabh International will be compensated by the ULBs for maintenance cost.
However, the cleaning and hygiene standards will not be compromised and if any service provider is not willing to waive fees, it may be replaced by an SHG or community group, the letter stated.
