July 15, 2014
WB Govt to form a welfare board for transgenders
West Bengal Government is going to set up aseparate welfare board for transgenders, Minister for Women and Social Welfare,Dr Shashi Panja told reporters. The board will function under her department,she added. The Minister said that the State Government is very much inclined tohelp the transgender people and protect their rights.
The Government is taking steps to draw aplan for the welfare of the transgender people by roping in NGOs. Initially theGovernment will ascertain the number of people belonging to the third genderand provide them with the required health facilities.
The Department will also organise discussionprogrammes on various transgender issues. The minister said that all NGOsworking for transgenders will be asked to share their suggestions and opinionsregarding the functioning and working areas of the board.
Once the board starts functioning, peoplebelonging to transgender community will be given identification cards and willbe entitled to government schemes like IndiaraAwas Yojna, government grants, ration cards, health services and other suchfacilities.
