Officials told to raise awareness about schemes for transgender persons.

UDUPI: The government has introduced various schemes and programmes aimed at the welfare of transgender people, said Deputy Commissioner Vidya Kumari K. At a meeting held on Friday to address the grievances of transgender individuals at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, she directed officials to raise awareness about these schemes to ensure beneficiaries can access them.

Stressing the need for economic empowerment, the DC said that transgender persons in the district should take advantage of government initiatives, engage in self-employment, and achieve financial independence. The State Women’s Development Corporation, under its rehabilitation scheme, provides incentives to support self-employment for transgender minorities. Although 15 people are eligible to apply, only one application has been submitted so far, she noted, urging more to participate.

The government’s Gruha Lakshmi scheme, which includes transgender people, is also being implemented. Transgender individuals with an identity card from the national portal can register at the Women and Child Development Department office to avail of its benefits. So far, 32 transgender individuals in the district have registered under the scheme.

To facilitate access to government benefits, identity cards are being issued to transgender persons. Applications submitted on the National Portal for Transgender Persons will be processed, and cards will be issued as per regulations.

The DC said that transgender persons should be treated with dignity when visiting government offices and their work should be facilitated without discrimination. She added that financial assistance would be provided for those applying to construct homes, and those without land could apply to local authorities for plots, which would be granted based on availability.

Transgender people should be integrated into mainstream society and encouraged to appear for competitive exams for government jobs. She directed Tahsildars to issue income and caste certificates to transgender individuals promptly and as per rules.

The meeting also addressed the issue of discrimination faced against children of transgender persons in schools, with a call for teachers to raise awareness among students. The society’s perspective towards them must change. ASP T. Siddalingappa, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department Shyamala C.K., CMC Commissioner Rayappa, and other officials were present at the meeting.

Courtesy: Times Of India

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