Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari has instructed a statewide survey of transgender persons in Jharkhand to ensure the effective implementation of government welfare schemes. She said that the survey will reveal the district-wise population of transgender persons, their needs, and aspirations.
Based on the findings, it will become easier to allocate funds, provide facilities, and link them to various welfare schemes. Tiwari issued these directions on Tuesday while chairing a meeting of the Jharkhand Transgender Welfare Board.
The meeting highlighted that transgender people often hesitate to come forward and disclose their identity, which affects the process of issuing identity cards, extending reservation benefits, connecting them with pension schemes, Ayushman health cards, Garima Grih housing, and protection against discrimination.
To address this, the Chief Secretary stressed the urgent formation of district-level committees under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners.
Transgender Support Unit to be Established
According to the 2011 Census, the total transgender population in India is 4,87,803, of which 13,463 are in Jharkhand. The government runs several welfare schemes for this community, with the Transgender Welfare Board assisting in their implementation. The Board supports various departments in designing and executing transgender-focused initiatives.
It was decided in the meeting that a Transgender Support Unit will be established under the Board. This unit will address issues related to transgenders, provide solutions to their problems, and present recommendations to the Board.
The meeting of the Jharkhand Transgender Welfare Board, chaired by Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, was attended by Home Secretary Vandana Dadel, Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Secretary Manoj Kumar, Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, Rural Development Secretary K. Srinivasan, along with other senior officials.
