A delegation of women - from Sanjay Colony, Okhla Industrial Area Phase II, under the leadership of Lok Raj Samiti, – submitted a memorandum to Delhi’s Chief Minister, Shiela Dixit to make the existing toilets in the area functional without further delay and also to construct new ones.

In a rapidly progressing 21st century capital city of India it’s a matter of great shame for the Delhi government that women here have to defecate in open, especially in a city where women are occupying the posts of Mayor, Chief Minister and President – the memorandum pointed out.

The population of Sanjay Colony is about 40,000. For the last three years the Lok Raj Samiti there has been raising its voice on the issue of lack of toilet facilities for women. The issue has also been brought to the notice of the municipal councillor, MLA and officials of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Representatives of different parliamentary parties claiming to be working in the interest of women have made tall promises and got the votes but did not think it necessary to organise toilet facilities for people living in slums – especially the women.

This is a very small demand but is very important for women. Right to sanitation is every citizen’s fundamental right.

The delegation demand that the Chief Minister take tangible actions within a month or face the consequence. The members threatened to take out a rally with their children, against the Delhi government, leading up to the Chief Minister’s house to intensify their struggle if their demands were not met.