National Service Scheme volunteers of Bhagalpur National College have decided to construct toilets for two families whose women have to walk to the railway tracks to relieve themselves.

During an anti-liquor campaign at Ghoshtoli, Sujapur locality, in Bhagalpur's Nathnagar block on January 17, the National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers met two widows, Rekha Devi and Kusum Devi. In their interaction with the women, the volunteers learnt both families lacked a toilet at home. Rekha has four daughters and Kusum one and all seven women have to walk to the railway tracks, around 300m from their homes, to relieve themselves.

Rekha Devi, who has four daughters and a son, makes golgappas for livelihood. Kusum Devi, who has two more sons, is a domestic help.

Moved by their plight, the NSS youths decided to construct toilets at both their homes. The students will collect donations from February 15 to construct the toilets.

Shabnam, one of the NSS volunteers, said: 'Since our parents cannot afford to fund the construction, we will go out seeking donations from the people.'

Ashok Kumar Jha, the NSS programme officer at Bhagalpur National College, was all praises for the students. 'The students' donation drive will continue till the required money is collected. I hope that they complete this mission and set an example for others,' he said.

Rakesh Kumar Rajak, another NSS volunteer, said: 'When we approached the women regarding the anti-liquor campaign, they were not interested. They shared some of their horrific experiences instead and said how they went to the railway tracks daily to relieve themselves.'