Odisha Charts Inclusive Path with Transgender Welfare Board’s First Meeting
Bhubaneswar: The State Transgender Welfare Board, reconstituted under the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, held its first meeting under the chairmanship of Minister Nityananda Gond.
Senior officials, representatives from multiple departments, and community organisations participated in the landmark session.
The Board reviewed progress under the Sweekruti scheme, which has enabled the formation of 80 Transgender Self‑Help Groups, with 41 receiving Rs 50,000 each for entrepreneurship.
Under the SMILE scheme, 3,159 transgender certificates and ID cards have been issued, alongside the rollout of Ayushman Bharat TG Plus health cards.
Bhubaneswar’s Garima Greh shelter home currently houses 25 residents.
Employment inclusion has advanced with government recruitment portals now recognising “Transgender/Third Gender” as a category.
District Transgender Protection Cells are operational, and proposals for a Cyber Protection Cell and toll‑free helpline are under consideration.
Future plans include free gender‑affirmation surgeries at government medical colleges, housing benefits under PM‑AWAS and Basundhara schemes, and education reforms such as 1% reservation, tuition fee waivers, and separate hostels.
The Board also proposed a community hall in Puri and a comprehensive LGBT census to strengthen data‑driven policymaking.
This meeting marks Odisha’s commitment to mainstreaming transgender rights through healthcare, education, housing, and social security initiatives.
