Newly weds get toilet of their dreams after hunger strike

District magistrate, Rohtas, Sandeep Kumar R Pudakalkatti took cognizance of an HT report to bring some solace to two newly married women, who took recourse to a fast-unto-death to demand construction of a toilet in their homes.

District magistrate, Rohtas, Sandeep Kumar R Pudakalkatti took cognizance of an HT report to bring some solace to two newly married women, who took recourse to a fast-unto-death to demand construction of a toilet in their homes.

Ravina (M) with husband Laukesh. A district magistrate responded to a fast by two women who were recently married, and sanction a toilet for their joint family (Mantu Upadhyay/HT Photo)

The report “Now, Priyanka Bharti toilet message resonates in Bihar village”, carried on first page of the HT Patna edition on Tuesday (July 7), prompted the administration to direct the executive engineer, public health engineering department (PHED), to visit the village and sanction a toilet for the two families.

Newly wed Manita and Ravina had taken to the fast to force their in-laws to construct a toilet in the house at village Maudihan under Dehri block of Rohtas district.

The poor in-laws, who are in BPL category and belong to extremely backward class, ran from pillar to post to demand the benefit under the government’s ‘Har Ghar Shauchalay scheme’ but failed to draw response.

They then drew a Rs 5,000 loan on 5% monthly interest from a co- villager and constructed a makeshift toilet with a plastic sheet roof. Only then did the brides break their fast.

“The HT story moved me and I directed the engineers to visit their house and ensure construction of a toilet and provide other sanitation facilities under government schemes. The HT has done a praiseworthy work by raising a social cause. Such reports will inspire the people and authorities also,” Pudakalkatti said.