A slew of welfare initiatives for the transgender community in the State were launched by the Social Justice Department here on Thursday.
Minister for Social Justice K.K. Shylaja distributed transgender identity cards, financial aid for those who underwent sex reassigment surgery, and aftercare aid for nutritious food and further treatment, aid for accommodation for students, and that for starting self-employment ventures.
The Minister reiterated the department’s commitment to steps that would ensure their participation in all walks of life. “The State was the first to implement a transgender policy. The department has prepared a detailed action plan to unify all activities for transgender welfare,” she said.
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It has been decided to give a loan of up to ₹3 lakh to a transgender through the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation (KSWDC) to start self-employment ventures. Administrative sanction had been provided to hand over ₹30 lakh to the KSWDC for giving the loan to 10 persons. Training too had been given.
Wedding aid
An order has been issued to provide wedding assistance of ₹30,000 to transgender couples. The aid will be given if one of the partners is a transgender. The government has also issued orders giving two extra seats for transgenders in every course in universities and recognised arts and science colleges in the State. Administrative nod has been given for handing over ₹20 lakh to those who have undergone sex reassignment surgery.
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K. Muraleedharan, MLA, presided.