Shimla: Men will also be charged for using public toilets

Himachal Pradesh: The Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) is going to impose a fee for men using public toilets across the city. As per this decision taken during the MC’s monthly general meeting, men will have to pay a fee for using urinals in around 30 public toilets, which are mainly located in more crowded areas like the main market areas. Apart from the separate fee for men, the MC is planning to issue cards to local traders and their sales staff, allowing them to make monthly payments for using the public toilets. The monthly fee for these cards is expected to be between Rs 100 and Rs 120.

Earlier, only women had to pay for using public toilets, a policy that was criticised by many, including the Himachal Pradesh High Court. To simplify the payment process, the MC is considering installing QR code scanners in these toilets, which will make payments possible through UPI. Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan clarified that the fee is not a “toilet tax” but a means to raise funds for the maintenance and cleaning of public toilets. The decision is also aimed at promoting gender equality, as earlier only women had to pay the fee. He informed that several meetings have been held with local business representatives, and further discussions will be held before finalising the mechanism for the new charges. Additionally, the MC will also seek suggestions from local residents to improve the implementation process.