Ranchi, September 9: In a move aimed at bringing the transgender community into the mainstream of development, the Jharkhand government is preparing to roll out a dedicated welfare push.
Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, while reviewing the work of the Jharkhand Transgender Welfare Board on Tuesday, instructed officials on Tuesday to carry out a comprehensive survey across all districts.
The survey will establish the actual population of transgenders in the state and assess their social and economic requirements. Officials believe this exercise will pave the way for targeted measures, ranging from identity documentation and reservation benefits to health coverage under Ayushman Bharat and pension schemes.
At the meeting, senior officers acknowledged that many transgenders remain reluctant to come forward, a hesitation that delays both identity card issuance and access to schemes. To break this deadlock, the Chief Secretary pushed for the early formation of district-level committees headed by Deputy Commissioners, which would act as nodal points for implementing welfare measures.
As per the 2011 Census, India is home to nearly 4.87 lakh transgenders, of whom 13,463 are in Jharkhand. The state already runs a number of supportive schemes in coordination with the Transgender Welfare Board, but officials stressed the need for a more structured approach.
The meeting also approved the creation of a Transgender Support Unit, which will work under the Welfare Board to track challenges faced by the community, recommend policy interventions and monitor execution of programmes.
