The Washroom Levy

The Washroom Levy

                                                                                                          Dinesh K Kapila

Michael and Christina (it could be Charles and Catherine ) landed at New Delhi International Airport. They were groggy from the late night flight from Vienna (it could be Zurich or Hamburg or Paris) and made their way through the well lit and maintained airport to immigration. That’s when they got a little surprised. The stamping of the passport was not an issue. After all they were from Europe, the geographical entity so valued to Indians to visit as tourists and even more to migrate to. Had they paid the Washroom Levy, as you are from Europe,  the Officer asked politely. Somewhat surprised they said no. He just nodded them to another counter placed just behind him. Marked for only European Tourists. They were advised that the stamping of the passport required a visit to the counter.  The official at the second counter informed them they could have paid in Euros online before leaving Europe but now they could pay in Euros or Swiss Francs or Rupees. But for what asked the puzzled tired groggy couple. Well see the flyer, it’s the Washroom Levy, they were informed.

Washroom Levy ? They were shocked. And annoyed. And their sleep vanished. What’s it about, they and other residents from Europe, now lining up grumbled. It’s really nothing explained the polite well mannered official, with a smile. So unlike the frowning faces greeting Indians at most European Airports. Seeing puzzled faces, the official decided to give some context. You see we Indians expend precious foreign exchange in your picturesque nations while holidaying, our Rupee is of so little value, we also accept it, the reasons may be our own inability to improve economically or your own developed and thinly status.  Further, to top it, medically, we seem to have weak bladders. And so while visiting your wonderful countries a small part of the foreign exchange goes in paying 50 cents to 80 cents to horrors a complete Euro at many cities per visit to a washroom. And then there is the issue of facing up to coin machines at some places, and losing some coins in the process. Or drinking coffee or tea just to well, pee, even if there is a set off on the wash room charges.    

We Indians are simple people and lead simple lives as advised by the Father of our Nation. We decided to have one single charge for the entire visit. For Europeans. Just to ensure we also earn some foreign exchange and the debits there sort of equal the credits here. A one time charge paid on arrival or online before starting and after that it’s all yours, against the wall, around a tree, or at whatever facilities we do have. No problems at all. Just a one time charge. And there is a reasoning to the calculation, we have assumed you would use the washroom, for one purpose or the second purpose or both (you get the drift) atleast five to six times a day. Now further assuming a charge of only Rs thirty /- per visit (we will not make profits) and with a week as the minimum stay, it comes to only 1300/- per person per week after rounding off. We will issue a receipt also which entitles you a waiver of charges, if any, at any public facility. It’s all thought out and well so simple. Kindly pay in cash or by card (credit, debit or forex travel) and be on your way.  Of course it’s a short visit, it’s only Rs 550/- and that’s it !

But this is a pee tax, complained the visitors. Not at all, it’s a charge. Just that it’s at source. As a one time facilitation and to avoid any inconvenience after that such as hunting for the right coins or currency, while hopping around on one leg to control he urge. Or borrowing coins at times from strangers. And then look we don’t do the add on parts, such as fingerprinting you and even collecting all your financial statements and salary records. Privacy in Europe is a right but here in Delhi most embassies from Europe and the Visa Facilitation Centres would have such financial details which maybe we would not share with even family members. So just pay up please and we can move the line along.  And then enjoy at your hotels the welcome drink and vermillion marks on the forehead and garlands at the reception counters of hotels and the valet service to boot. It’s a grand welcome we give you Sir !  And no, we are not comparing with anyplace else !    

Meanwhile at another counter passengers from Hongkong were grumbling about being asked why they were here on a visit. Forgetting that at their own airport Indians at times had been asked to step aside for a screening of their eyes or something to that effect. Or even how some Indians had been advised to step aside, even those travelling with their family and with confirmed hotel bookings and advised to establish their credentials.  Just simple polite routine queries seemed to put them off. But that’s an aside.

Meanwhile while back in Europe the Washroom Levy made headlines and was discussed avidly, in India most citizens just shrugged their shoulders. After all they themselves were so used to surcharges and levies in varied forms, they wondered what was all the fuss about in Europe.

==================================================================================