Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards mainstreaming the transgender community, the State Government has established the State Transgender Welfare Board to champion the rehabilitation and welfare of transgender persons.
The Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) has formally announced this crucial initiative through an official notification. The department stated, “With the aim of developing comprehensive guidelines for the Rehabilitation and Welfare of Transgender Persons in the State and to actively protect their best interests as enshrined in the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the State Government of Odisha hereby constitutes the State Transgender Welfare Board, Odisha.”
This empowered 15-member board will be led by SSEPD Minister Nityananda Gond, with SSPED Secretary as the Vice Chairman and the Department Director serving as the pivotal Member Secretary. The board’s composition also includes vital representation from various government agencies, two voices from the transgender community itself, three district collectors (on a rotating basis), and two dedicated NGOs working on the ground.
With a mandate of three years, the Board will then be reconstituted by the Department. Its core mission includes the formulation of comprehensive guidelines for transgender rehabilitation and welfare, aligning with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. The board will proactively address the educational, employment, housing, and health needs of the transgender community, while steadfastly safeguarding their constitutional and human rights, as outlined in the notification.
To ensure its efforts are data-driven and responsive, the board will regularly undertake surveys, research, and evaluations to understand the evolving needs of transgender individuals. It will also champion the creation of impactful development projects, programs, and schemes, advocating for the allocation of sufficient funds for effective policy execution. Serving as a vital link between the Central and State Governments, the board will diligently monitor the implementation of welfare programs for transgender individuals across all districts.
The board will convene on a quarterly basis and will issue essential guidelines to foster equality and equity for transgender individuals. Furthermore, it will actively provide guidance to the transgender community on accessing education, employment opportunities, health services, and leveraging the benefits of various State