Bangalore: The T’s (Transgenders) are different from LGB’s (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals) and should be dealt with accordingly and the Karnataka governement has done just that. It has come out with a first of its kind Transgender policy to address their needs and aspirations. They have circulated the draft policy among various departments like Health, Education etc. and sought comments / suggestions.
It’s expected to go to the cabinet after recipt of comments from the departments. However these comments are yet to come, with the departments not treating the issue with the priority it deserves.
Among the highlights of the final draft are setting up of a cell for transgenders at the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation and transgender support units at the State and district levels. It also says that counselling centres, on the lines of Rape and Crisis Intervention Centre, will be set up for transgenders.
Educational institutions and work places, according to the draft, would have to set up anti-discrimination cells and have sensitisation programme involving community people. Workplace sexual harassment policies have to be transgender-inclusive.
Legal system needs to be strengthened to ensure action against parents who abuse transgender children and to provide aid to those facing discrimination and violence. The police will need to compile data on crimes against transgenders, says the draft policy.
It proposes a health, housing and educational schemes for the welfare of transgenders, including self-employment grant, educational grant, vocational training, provision for health insurance, grant for sex reassignment surgery, opening five shelters exclusively for them, providing BPL ration cards and monthly pension.
The draft was finalised after several rounds of meetings of the 11-member subcommittee that included people of the transgender community. “Once the comments are received from departments, it [the draft] will be examined further for approval by the Minister of our department,” said Amita Prasad, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development.
“I am disappointed that the departments are yet to respond to the draft. Also, we should have a board for transgenders on the lines of the one in Tamil Nadu rather than a cell,” said Akkai Padmashali, who is part of the subcommittee.
