Odisha Forms Transgender Welfare Board After Long Wait
16-member board to work for 3 years; meet every three months to improve lives of transgender people
Bhubaneswar, May 16: In a major step towards inclusion and social justice, the Government of Odisha has officially formed the Transgender Welfare Board to support the rehabilitation and welfare of transgender individuals across the state. The board will operate for a period of three years and hold meetings once every three months.
The board includes 16 members representing various departments and sectors, including health, education, panchayati raj, urban development, and social security. Two members from the transgender community, three district collectors, and representatives from two NGOs working in the field will also be part of the board. The Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) will serve as the chairperson, while the department’s secretary and director will act as vice-chairperson and member-secretary respectively.
A government notification released by the SSEPD department stated that the board’s primary focus will be to safeguard the constitutional and human rights of transgender individuals. It will oversee education, employment, housing, and healthcare schemes for the community, while also ensuring proper implementation and coordination among government agencies.
The board is also tasked with conducting regular surveys, research, and evaluations to understand the needs of the transgender population. It will help in shaping effective policies, allocating necessary funds, and improving the quality of existing welfare programs. At the district level, the board will monitor ongoing schemes and ensure their proper execution.
Special attention will be given to promoting dignity and respect for transgender individuals in society. The board will also spread awareness through media about various schemes and initiatives designed for their upliftment.
Pratap Sahu, President of Odisha Kinnar and Transgender Mahasangha, welcomed the move, stating, “We have been demanding the formation of this board for 20 years. We thank the government for finally responding. If managed effectively, this board can benefit nearly 30,000 transgender people in Odisha.”
The initiative is being seen as a long-awaited but important milestone for the transgender community in the state, aiming to bring equality, support, and dignity to their lives.
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