Dignity of Schemes for transgender persons in Odisha

Calling up for a better society for transgender community, Odisha government has decided to provide them BPL (below poverty line) status. The community will also be brought under National Food Security Act, thanks to which the beneficiary is allowed to receive five kg of food grains per month under the public distribution system.

"The state government has decided to accord BPL status to the transgender persons and they will get all benefits availed by the poor," Women and Child Development Minister Usha Devi told reporters, as per as a Huffington Post.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked the department to follow up with other social security schemes for the transgender community. According to the report, almost 22,000 transgender persons are to get benefits by the government's decision. The All Odisha Eunuch and Transgender Association acknowledged state’s decision.

Feature Image Credit: navbharattimes.indiatimes.com