Transgender Welfare Board in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has constituted a State Transgender Welfare Board. It will monitor and oversee the implementation of the schemes adopted for Transgender community in the state.

The State government constituted a 12-member State Transgender Welfare Board under the Chairmanship of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Minister.

“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,” read a notification issued by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities.

The State Transgender Welfare Board shall consist of the following members:

1. Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Minister: Chairman
2. Secretary, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: Vice Chairman
3. Director, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: Member Secretary
4. Representative of Health & Family Welfare Department: Member
5. Representative of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department: Member
6. Representative of Housing & Urban Development Department: Member
7. Representative of Skill Development & Technical Education Department: Member
8. Representative of Higher Education Member Department: Member
9. Representative of School & Mass Education Department: Member
10. 2 representatives of Transgender Person Community across the State: Member
11. 3 District Collectors on rotation basis: Member
12. 2 representatives of NGOs working for the community: Member

The members shall be nominated by the Government from time to time through notifications.

Duration: The term of office of the Board shall be for a period of 3 years. On completion of 3 years the Department will take steps for reconstitution of the Board.

Eligibility criteria of Non-official TG Members:

• Should have registered with the District Administration and received an ID Card.
• Should not be below 25 years of age.
• Should be a graduate at an approved educational institution.
• Should have minimum 5 years of working experience with TG Community.

Objective of the Board:

The Board will,

• Look after education, employment, housing, and health schemes for transgender and protect their Constitutional and human rights.
• Study the needs and requirements of transgender persons from time to time through surveys, researches and evaluation in such manner as may be necessary.
• Ensure that sufficient and quality development projects, programmes and schemes are formulated and adequate funds are allocated for effective implementation of TG Policy.
• Ensure convergence of existing schemes across departments for a more targeted and focused approach towards ensuring the well-being of the TG community.
• Monitor implementation of various welfare and other programmes of TGs in the districts.
• Act as connecting link between Central Governments and State Governments