Odisha, an Indian eastern state is the first region in the country to give social benefits to trans people – such as a pension, housing and grains food – usually only allocated for the poorest.
Niten Chandra, Principal Secretary of the Department of Social Security Odisha, said the move to give the transgender community the same benefits as those living below the poverty line was aimed at improving their overall social and economic situation.
Transgender community
The members of the transgender community cards below poverty line (BPL) allowed them access to benefits under various welfare programs will government.
This includes schemes that provide free accommodation to 100 days of paid work per year, pensions and loans to start their own businesses. They would also be entitled to 5 kg of food grains per month under the National Food Security Act of India.
Transgender groups welcomed the new policy Odisha rights and called for its effective implementation.
