THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Social Justice Department will launch a slew of welfare schemes for transgenders in the state on Thursday giving them access to health aid, financial aid, ID cards from the state government. It is learnt that there are around 25,000 transgender persons in the state as per a survey carried out by the state government.
Financial support for persons who underwent sex reassignment surgery, financial aid for follow up treatment for transgender, self-employment, hostel facility for transgender student, ID cards are some of the schemes to be launched.
Health minister K.K. Shylaja will launch various schemes and distribute the benefits to applicants.
Shyama S., state coordinator of Transgender Cell in the state, said that there is good response from the transgender community. “Around 2,000 persons have applied for the transgender ID. To begin with, the government has decided to give the aid for 10 beneficiaries,” said Shyama.
The government will provide financial aid to the tune of Rs 2 lakh for undergoing sex reassignment surgery for eligible candidates.
For follow up treatments, the government is planning to give Rs 3,000 per month for 12 months post surgery as per the new scheme. Rs 50,000 will be allotted under self-employment scheme.
Shyama said that the most important need of transgender persons in the state is a home. “Most of them in the community are ousted from homes and they need a place to live. We want the government to draft a housing scheme to ensure a safe home for transgender persons,” Shyama added.
As per a survey, 58 per cent of the transgender persons in the state are Class IX dropouts. As per the scheme, the government will give Rs 4,000 per month as assistance for availing hostel facilities for prospective students in the community. Reservation for transgender community at educational institute is another highlight. The plan is to reserve 2 seats for every course.
