Starting Monday, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) will
open the doors of washrooms of all restaurants and hotels under its
jurisdiction to women and children free of cost.

The system will
be implemented on a trial basis and later reviewed based on feedback
from users, and restaurants and hotels owners.

A statement released by the civic body read that the initiative was a contribution towards the Swachh Bharat Mission.

It will also ensure the safety of women, the statement added.

Feather in the cap

“The
SDMC has become the first civic body in the Capital and also perhaps in
the northern part of the country to announce free usage of washrooms
for women and children at all restaurants and hotels falling under its
jurisdiction. The facility will come into effect from May 1 [Monday],”
the municipal body announced.

Officials said the initiative was
implemented after Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal suggested that
public places be made safer and more accessible for women and children.

Note of gratitude

“The
practicalities of the operations will have to be assessed. We would
like to convey our gratitude to the hospitality industry that came on
board for the initiative,” a senior SDMC official said.

Several meetings were organised with restaurateurs before the order came into effect.