As per data from census 2011, the total population of ‘others’ is 4.87 lakh. The category of ‘others’ would not only include ‘transgender’ but also any person who desires to record sex under the category of ‘others’. Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) is implementing Support for Marginalized Individual for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme with sub-scheme namely ‘Central sector scheme for comprehensive rehabilitation for welfare of transgender persons’. This scheme covers several comprehensive measures with a focus extensively on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counselling, skill development, economic linkages, etc.

During last three years, 990 destitute Transgender persons have been rehabilitated through Garima Grehs, Shelter Homes for Transgender Persons and 725 persons were given skill development training. 24,015 Transgender Persons have been issued Identity Certificates through National Portal for Transgender persons. Transgender Welfare Boards have been set up in 19 States/UTs. Transgender Protection Cells have been set up in 12 States/UTs for the security of the Transgender persons.

12 Transgender Protection Cells have been setup by 12 States/UTs under Director General of Police to monitor cases of offences against transgender persons and to ensure timely registration, investigation and prosecution of such offences.”

The Department through its autonomous body National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) provides for regular awareness generation and sensitization sessions for police personnel. A total of 85 awareness, capacity building and sensitization programmes have been conducted and 4,269 police officials have been trained in collaboration with Police Academies/police colleges/agencies etc.

The Department has set up 18 Garima Grehs, shelter homes for destitute transgender persons in 15 States namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal (2) and Maharashtra (3). The main aim of Garima Greh is to provide shelter to transgender persons with basic amenities like food, medical care, and recreational facilities. Besides, it will provide support for the capacity-building/skill development of Transgender persons. Steps taken to improve the lives of transgenders persons and major welfare works being done by the Department and the results thereof is at Annexure.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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VM

(Lok Sabha US Q3556)

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