JAISALMER: With the target of making Barmer open defecation free (ODF), the district collector has initiated a scheme under which a villager who builds toilet at his home and uses it regularly will get a chance to have coffee with the collector . Moreover, he will be felicitated at the district headquarters.

Barmer collector Shiv Prasad Nakate said that he has set a target to make the district fully ODF by December 17. He is requesting villagers to build toilets and use them, in night chaupals.

Of 489 gram panchayats in Barmer, only 173 are ODF, till now.

By August 15, two panchayat samitis, Baytu and Gida, will become ODF, he added. Patidu and Shirdhi panchayat samitis will follow next.

In panchayats where there is a problem of water, approvals to build water tanks and storage facilities are being given under NREGA.

Nakate said he has started motivation scheme under which if any villager builds toilet and uses it regularly, then he would go to the villager’s house and have coffee with him, besides felicitating him at the district headquarters.

“The villager will be looked upon with respect which will inspire others,” Nakate said.

Moreover, to ensure use of toilets, already a scheme is being run in Barmer to give incentives to beneficiaries of Baytu and Gida panchayat samitis. Cairn Oil & Gas and rural development organization started the scheme some time back. They monitor the family of beneficiary for 2-3 months on the use of toilet. After ensuring proper utility, Rs 2,500 is given to the beneficiary.

