Odisha Govt Constitutes State Transgender Welfare Board

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has constituted the State Transgender Welfare Board for the Welfare of the transgender Community.

An official notification has been issued by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in this regard.

“In pursuance of the provision made under Rules 10 (1) Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, and in order to make a comprehensive guideline for Rehabilitation and Welfare of Transgender Persons in the State and to protect their best interest as per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, the State Government of Odisha hereby constitutes the State Transgender Welfare Board, Odisha,” the notification reads.

The 12-member board, chaired by the Minister of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, includes key representatives such as the Secretary of the same department as Vice Chairman, alongside members from departments like Health & Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, Housing & Urban Development, Skill Development, and Higher Education.

Additionally, the board comprises two representatives from the School & Mass Education Department, two TG community members, three District Collectors on a rotational basis, and two representatives from NGOs working for the TG community. Members will be nominated by the government periodically.

The board, with a tenure of three years, is tasked with addressing critical needs of the TG community, including education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Its objectives include ensuring access to welfare schemes, protecting constitutional and human rights, and promoting skill development and quality projects for TG individuals.