Spot fine for open defecation, states told

The urban development ministry has suggested state governments amend their municipal laws to incorporate provisions for spot fine, penalty or cleaning charge from people caught defecating in open. It has also suggested similar changes in the state laws to fine people caught littering.

• This was stated by the ministry in its recent circular issued to chief secretaries of all states.

Suggestions:

• The ministry has asked them to enforce such provisions in municipal wards that are declared open defecation free (ODF) and litter free.
• The ministry has asked all state governments to ensure that such provisions cover all municipal wards by October 2018.
• It has advised that the municipal commissioners or any authorised officer can levy the fine, penalty or charge from violators.

Key facts:

Rajasthan has already notified the mechanism for levying such penalty or carrying charges for littering in public places. For example, Rs 200 fine for peeing in public places, Rs 1,500 per day for pasting posters in public buildings or monuments.