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Indian Express

PCMC to launch performance evaluation of Navi Disha community toilet initiative

The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) will soon conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Navi Disha Community Toilet Initiative — a unique women-led program that empowers local women's groups to operate and manage public toilets across the city, officials said. This initiative, jointly implemented by PCMC's Social Development and Health Department, has not only improved sanitation infrastructure but also created meaningful livelihood opportunities for women while fostering a strong sense of community ownership, the civic administration said. Currently, over 60 community toilets in Pimpri-Chinchwad are being managed under the Navi Disha model. The upcoming evaluation will assess their performance across multiple parameters including cleanliness, maintenance, user satisfaction, and the extent of community engagement. The process will also identify innovative practices adopted by the women's groups and pinpoint areas where improvements are needed, officials said. The primary objective of this evaluation is to rank the toilets based on performance, recognise and reward the most effective women's groups, and compile a repository of best practices that can be scaled and replicated across the city. By creating a structured feedback loop, PCMC aims to enhance accountability, incentivise better management, and ensure high standards of hygiene and service delivery, officials said. Speaking about the initiative, Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, 'Navi Disha is a testament to how community-led, women-driven models can transform urban services. This evaluation will help us learn from what's working on the ground, support the women who are leading by example, and scale up quality sanitation in a sustainable and inclusive way.' Deputy commissioner Sachin Pawar said, 'Through this evaluation, the insights gathered will guide the next phase of expansion and innovation under the Navi Disha initiative, further strengthening the city's public sanitation.'