Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary, Alka Tiwari, has directed a state-wide survey of transgenders to facilitate their access to government schemes. This order was issued during a meeting of the Jharkhand Transgender Welfare Board held at Project Bhavan. The survey aims to determine the district-wise population of transgenders, their specific needs, and their preferences. This information will aid in allocating resources and providing appropriate assistance for their welfare. The initiative will also streamline their inclusion in various schemes designed for the transgender community. The meeting highlighted that many transgenders hesitate to openly identify themselves, hindering their access to essential services like identity cards, reservation benefits, pension schemes, Ayushman cards, and housing facilities. To address this, the Chief Secretary emphasized the prompt formation of district-level committees, chaired by the Deputy Commissioners. The Board also announced the establishment of a “Transgender Support Unit” to address issues and provide solutions, with recommendations from the Board. According to the 2011 census, the total transgender population in India is 4,87,803, with 13,463 residing in Jharkhand. The government, with the support of the Transgender Welfare Board, implements numerous welfare programs for this community. The Board collaborates with various departments in the formulation and execution of schemes related to transgenders. The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including the Home Secretary Vandana Dadel, the Secretary of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Manoj Kumar, the Finance Secretary Prashant Kumar, and the Rural Development Secretary K. Srinivasan.
