PATNA, India, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- An Indian state government announced politicians will not be allowed to run for office unless they have toilets in their homes.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's government in Bihar announced politicians will not be allowed to seek office with village administrative bodies and urban bodies unless their homes contain toilets, Gulf News reported Wednesday.


Officials said the rules are aimed at promoting healthy sanitation habits and helping Bihar reach its goal of becoming an "open-defecation free" state by 2022.

Kumar said Tuesday, which was World Toilet Day, that each household in the state will be given $160 for home toilet installation, with government officials supervising the process.

"Open defecation is the source of nearly 90 per cent of ailments. Its elimination will be a great service for the generation to come," Kumar said.