Girls, here’s a question – What do you look for in a potential partner? Shared life goals and interests, compatibility, stable job, looks and a sense of humour? But never basic facilities, right? Because that’s a given. Unfortunately, for women in rural India, it is not. And the government is making sure the situation improves with offbeat solutions.
In Madhya Pradesh, the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah/Nikha scheme has a toilet clause. Grooms are required to take a selfie standing in the toilet as photographic evidence and submit it to the state as proof before the wedding. As an incentive, their brides would be given financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 by the government.
According to Business Standard, the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has asked residents who cannot afford personal toilets to post a Karva Chauth selfie in order for the authorities to build one for them under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Dipendra Yadav, Sambhal Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) asks residents under his jurisdiction to post selfies on #KarvaChauth, selfies will be identified & residents who don't have personal toilets, will be provided toilets by the administration under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 16, 2019
Yahoo News reports that the selfies are required to be sent to Sambhal’s District Panchayat Officer, Executive Officer, Municipal Corporation and Block Development Officer so that they can identify those who don’t have the means to build the basic facility and provide the same.
People think that this initiative is a masterstroke and is bound to receive participation in the area.
Very interesting methodology. It would be great to receive update on how this worked out.
— Parul Sinha (@ParulSinhadel) October 16, 2019
👋👋🙏
— Jss (@Jss12418119) October 16, 2019
Preposterously ingenious!
— mike dimri (@mikedimri) October 16, 2019
We hope that in the future, brides don’t have to worry about the lack of basic necessities in their future family’s homes.