Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has introduced a new initiative called ‘Coffee with Commissioner,’ aimed at connecting the Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh with women from self-help groups who maintain public toilets in the city.

This initiative, which will be held twice a month, seeks to address the challenges these women face in their work and to improve public toilet facilities.

Under the 'Navi Disha' initiative, women in the city have been given employment opportunities by being assigned the task of maintaining public toilets.

The 'Coffee with Commissioner' program was introduced to help resolve the difficulties encountered by women from various self-help groups while working.

In addition to solving their problems, the initiative will focus on making improvements based on direct inspections of public toilet facilities by the health department.

The first meeting of the 'Coffee with Commissioner' program took place on Thursday (August 22), involving women responsible for maintaining public toilets in areas under the ‘A’ and ‘G’ regional offices.

During the meeting, Commissioner Shekhar Singh discussed future opportunities and challenges related to the 'Navi Disha' initiative, and the women shared their issues and experiences.

PCMC will organize the 'Coffee with Commissioner' program twice a month, providing an opportunity for women from different regional offices to interact with the Commissioner.

Lata Rokde from the Bharari Women’s Multipurpose Board expressed confidence that this initiative will help increase the participation of women’s self-help groups in the administration, saying, “The 'Navi Disha' initiative has given us a distinct identity. We had the chance to present our problems, feedback, and suggestions directly to the Commissioner. The Municipal Corporation will consider our suggestions.”