There has been a lot of promise from New Delhi to build toilets for women

Back in rural Maharashtra, Sangita Awhale has taken the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative forward.

A villager from Saikheda in Washim district sold her mangalsutra (a sacred necklace worn by married Hindu women) to build a toilet.

"Toilet is a basic necessity, compared to ornaments. I sold all my ornaments and decided to build the toilet," Sangita told reporters.

She was honoured on Thursday by Maharashtra Rural Development

Minister Pankaja Munde in Mumbai. "Toilets are not there in many places in the state and country. As a result, women face problems," Munde said.

"During my first term as a legislator, I allocated 25 per cent of my funds for building toilets," the minister said. "Our target is to build maximum number of toilets and ensure that women don't have to face any inconvenience on this count," she said.

The minister lauded Sangita's initiative and presented her with a new as a token of appreciation to create awareness about the need for toilets.

Image: Sangita Awhale