Minister for Social Justice K.K. Shailaja has announced a few welfare programmes in an attempt to uplift the transgender community in Kerala. In doing so, transgenders in Kerala will have the means to survive in a society that has always disregarded them in the past. In a statement released, K.K. Shailaja said, “It is part of the drive to bring the marginalised and generally isolated transgender community into the mainstream of society.”
Fact: Did you know that Kerala was the first state in India to introduce a Transgender Policy?
Also Read: NOT ‘THIRD GENDER’ BUT ‘TRANSGENDER’, SAYS KERALA GOVERNMENT
Transgender Students
The Kerala Government has allotted 6 Lakhs as a scholarship to transgender students studying from 7th standard onwards in State Government, Government-aided/ self-financing schools. Here’s how much is being sanctioned to students studying in various classes:
- 7th std. to 10th std – Rs. 1000/- per month for 10 months
- Plus one & Plus two – Rs. 1500/- per month for 10 months
- Diploma, Degree, Post Graduation, Professional courses – Rs. 2000/- per month for 10 months
To check the eligibility criteria and application process, please head over here. All the details have been explicitly mentioned, and would largely benefit transgender students.
A study conducted showed that 58 per cent of transgender students drop out before completing 10th grade, while 24 per cent of them drop out before completion of 9th grade. Sexual harassment, negative experiences, gender-related harassment were some of the reasons stated behind their dropout. By providing monetary benefits to transgender students of Kerala, it will encourage them to complete their education and therefore, get access to job opportunities while being independent.
Hostel Facility Assistance to Transgender Students
Some transgender students require access to hostel facilities in order to pursue their education. But, the stigma around giving them accommodation and not receiving rent on time exists. To tackle this issue, the Department of Social Justice will be providing a rent amount of Rs 4,000/- as financial assistance to the transgender community for finding hostel facility/accommodation.
To check the eligibility criteria and application process, please head over here. All the details have been explicitly mentioned, and would largely benefit transgender students.
Samanwaya Education Programme
In association with the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA), the Department of Social Justice has introduced a continuing education programme called ‘Samanwaya’ to prevent dropouts and encourage education among Transgender students.
To check the eligibility criteria and application process, please head over here. All the details have been explicitly mentioned, and would largely benefit transgender students.
Also Read: 18 SHADES OF BLACK: RED LOTUS’ REPRESENTATION OF DIVERSITY AMONG WOMEN
Assistance for Legally Married Transgenders
Transgenders who are married under the Special Marriage Act do not have access to welfare schemes. As such, the Department of Social Justice will provide marriage assistance for legally married transgender couples who have undergone Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS). The amount given to them is Rs. 30,000/- that will help the couple lead a stress-free life.
This scheme is intended to help the deprived transgender individuals who are planning to get married legally to lead a steady normal family life.
To check the eligibility criteria and application process, please head over here. All the details have been explicitly mentioned, and would largely benefit transgender couples.
Identity Cards for Transgender Persons
People from the transgender community can avail various welfare schemes and benefits offered by the Social Justice department if they have access to this card. The application process has now shifted online where Transgender persons can log onto the website- www.sjd.kerala.gov.in – and apply for it.
To check the eligibility criteria and application process, please head over here. All the details have been explicitly mentioned, and would largely benefit transgender persons.
Financial Aid to Transgenders For Sex Reassignment Surgery
Sex Reassignment Surgery is expensive. And, there are many transgenders in Kerala who spend many years saving up to do this surgery. The Department has provided financial assistance of up to Rs 2 Lakh to Transgender persons undergoing sex reassignment surgery.
Post-surgery care, including proper medical care, food, stay, counselling to ensure smooth recovery is also an important part of the process. But, many transgenders do not have the financial capability to access care and meet day-to-day expenses. For that, Rs. 3000/- will be provided over a period of 12 months from the date of the surgery.
To check the eligibility criteria and application process, please head over here and here. All the details have been explicitly mentioned, and would largely benefit transgender persons.
Few other schemes that largely benefit Transgenders of Kerala are:
Self-employment assistance for Transgender persons
