Hosakote: The Hosakote Assembly constituency in Bengaluru Rural district is steadily developing, thanks to the efforts of MLA Sharath Bachegowda. Recently, MLA Sharath Bachegowda inaugurated a new Pink Toilet at the city’s first-grade college. This initiative has been met with gratitude from the children and parents, acknowledging the contributions of Sharath Bachegowda, RDPR Minister Priyank Kharge, and KRIDL. The project represents the state’s first successful Pink Toilet initiative for female students and is expected to be implemented in various parts of the state in the future.
What is a Pink Toilet?
Although there are many toilets in various parts of the state, they are often not maintained properly or are not suitable for women’s use. However, the color helps to identify these toilets as specifically meant for women and children from a distance. This provides greater safety for women and children.
What Makes It Special?
The toilet is made from a container, making it easily relocatable. This modern and well-equipped toilet includes sanitary pads, pad vending and burning machines for women. It also features both Indian and Western commodes, a separate toilet for people with disabilities, and resting rooms for women. These facilities are available to women free of charge.
How Did It Start?
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) aimed to start such facilities for women, particularly adolescent girls in Delhi, to protect their rights. Meetings were held with all relevant stakeholders to improve the hygiene and health conditions of adolescent girls. The concept of Pink Toilets was developed by the NCPCR.
Under the Siddaramaiah government in the state, the following five schemes for women and youth are in place:
- Grihalakshmi: Provides monthly financial assistance of Rs.2,000 to the head women of a house.
- Grihajyoti: 200 units of free electricity for each household.
- Shakti: Free bus travel for women.
- Anna Bhagya: 10 kg of free rice per month for each household with a BPL card.
- Yuvnidhi: ₹3,000 for unemployed graduates aged 18-25, and ₹1,500 for diploma holders who are unemployed.
These schemes are enhancing the empowerment of women and youth in the state. Sharat Bachegowda, MLA is a shining example of a model politician.
