The Maharashtra government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to address the lack of restroom facilities for working women and sportswomen. This decision follows a government resolution (GR) issued by the Urban Development Department (UDD) on Wednesday, January 8.
The SIT will make recommendations and guidelines to tackle this issue across Mumbai and the state. The goal is to make sure that women have access to restroom facilities, especially near sports venues like the Oval Ground in Mumbai.
The SIT has been instructed to deliver preliminary recommendations in their first meeting. They have a six-month timeframe to present practical suggestions to the UDD.
This move comes in response to a ruling by the Maharashtra Lokayukta in October 2024. Retired high court justice V M Kanade talked about the urgent need for women's restrooms, noting the contrast with European countries where public restrooms are available every 200 meters.
Also read: Mumbai Gets First Ever Mobile Washroom For Women
In Mumbai, the restroom facilities are reportedly insufficient. This is even more challenging for female athletes who have to share playgrounds with men and have no designated restrooms.
The SIT comprises ten members and is led by the higher chief secretary of the General Administration Department. It includes principal secretaries from the Urban Development, Women and Child Development, School Education, and Sports Departments, as well as representatives from the Public Works Department and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). An architect chosen by the UDD will also be part of the panel.
Under the General Administration Department's leadership, the Principal Secretary of Urban Development and the Principal Secretary of Public Works will advise the Public Commissioner.
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