Toilets for women staff now a must
State to revoke licences, take action against private establishments, govt offices, if they fail to comply with order
MUMBAI: Not having separate toilets for women staff or for women visiting their premises could cost private establishments, corporate houses, and even government offices their licences, apart from criminal action and penalty.
In a recent circular issued by the labour department of the state government, labour inspectors and municipal officers have been asked to check the availability of toilets for women as part of their annual inspection. The officials have been directed not to renew the licences of the establishments if they fail to comply with the order.
The new rule is applicable to all establishments, including commercial offices, shops and workplaces, which come under the purview of the Shops and Establishment Act, 1948, and the Factories Act, 1948. The head of the department or the establishment will be responsible for providing and maintaining the toilets.
The directives come in the wake of a meeting convened by
deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, where representatives of various NGOS complained of the inconvenience caused to women at public places and even at their workplaces, in the absence of toilets. The state has directed municipal corporations to ensure there are adequate public toilets
on highways, bus stands, railway stations, petrol pumps and other utilities.
“With 30% reservation for women in government jobs, the number of women employees has gone up. According to the policy for 2014, toilets for women at workplace are a must. It has been found
that private, as well as government offices, do not have adequate arrangements,” the circular stated.
“We will take strict action against those who flout the law. The department will conduct regular reviews to ensure the guidelines are complied with. Government offices have been asked to make
provisions for mobile toilets, if release of funds for construction of toilets takes time,” said Arvind Kumar, principal secretary, labour department.
Women organisations advocating the cause are, however, doubtful about the implementation. “The government has failed
to fulfill its promises in the past. It has not been able to provide toilets to its employees in all these years. We are not sure how effective the move will be,” said Mumtaz Shaikh, executive president of Mahila Mandal Federation, which has been working for Right To Pee initiative.