Chandrapur workshop for transgender community explains welfare schemes, urges calling 112 for help

A workshop for the transgender community was held at the Planning Bhavan in Chandrapur. It was organised jointly by the Social Justice Department, Chandrapur, and the Saptarangi Sevabhavi Sanstha, Nanded. The workshop aimed to bring the transgender community into the mainstream and raise awareness of their rights. The event was held for the transgender community of Chandrapur district.

Additional Collector Dr Nitin Vyavahare presided. Additional Superintendent of Police Ishwar Katkade, Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Vinod Mohture, and Dr Sanvi Jethwani, president of the Saptarangi Sevabhavi Sanstha and co-chairperson of the Transgender Welfare Board, attended. Transgender representatives also came in large numbers. An appeal was made at the event that transgender people be seen not merely with sympathy but as a section of society with equal rights.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Vyavahare described the various schemes the government is running for the social and economic empowerment of transgender people. He said the government has set up a separate board for their welfare. He also urged them to complete documents such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards and voter registration if they wished to avail themselves of government schemes.

Dr Jethwani, the chief guide, said in her address that the Supreme Court's landmark NALSA judgment had given legal recognition to the separate identity of transgender people. Even so, she said, many transgender people can still be seen earning a living at railway stations or in public places. Instead of keeping them away from the mainstream, they must be given opportunities in education, skills and employment, she said. She also explained that the state government has made higher education free for them, and that a loan facility of up to Rs 2 lakh for business is available under the seed capital scheme.

Speaking at the event, Additional Superintendent of Police Katkade assured the gathering that the police administration is fully committed to protecting transgender people. He said opportunities are now opening up for them in areas such as police recruitment. He also appealed to them to call the emergency helpline number 112 without fear if they face injustice or harassment.

Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Vinod Mohture gave the introductory address at the start of the event. Sachin Fulzele conducted the programme. At the end, a booklet on the various schemes prepared for transgender people was released by the dignitaries.