BANGALORE: In a benevolent gesture to transgenders, CM B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday announced a monthly social security benefit of Rs 400 to transgenders above 40 years.
The CM's initiative followed his meeting with a delegation of transgenders who called on him here to submit a memorandum. They wanted houses, monthly pension and reservation of seats in degree courses. The pension is similar to the one being given to devdasis.
The CM also announced that transgenders will now come under the purview of the social welfare department. "Our 12-year struggle has finally paid off. We welcome the CM's statement. It's a great feeling that transgenders will finally have a separate welfare board under the social welfare department. Karnataka is the second state in India after Tamil Nadu that's bringing a change for transgenders. We only hope it's implemented in full," Akkai Padmashali, Sangama co-ordinator (information division), said.
There is no comprehensive data on the population of transgenders in Karnataka. According to a 2006 survey by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, there are approximately 2,000-2,500 transgenders in Bangalore, and at least 60% are above 40 years.
The CM's initiative followed his meeting with a delegation of transgenders who called on him here to submit a memorandum. They wanted houses, monthly pension and reservation of seats in degree courses. The pension is similar to the one being given to devdasis.
The CM also announced that transgenders will now come under the purview of the social welfare department. "Our 12-year struggle has finally paid off. We welcome the CM's statement. It's a great feeling that transgenders will finally have a separate welfare board under the social welfare department. Karnataka is the second state in India after Tamil Nadu that's bringing a change for transgenders. We only hope it's implemented in full," Akkai Padmashali, Sangama co-ordinator (information division), said.
There is no comprehensive data on the population of transgenders in Karnataka. According to a 2006 survey by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, there are approximately 2,000-2,500 transgenders in Bangalore, and at least 60% are above 40 years.
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