A workshop on ‘Transgender Inclusion in Odisha’ was organised by the District legal Services Authority (DlSA), Rayagada in association with the Society and Action against the HIV Infection in India (SAATHII) and the district administration here on Saturday.
The workshop was well attended by members of the transgender community, social activists, lawyers, mediapersons and members of SHGs/CBOs and the civil society in large numbers.
While the District Judge-cum-Chairman, DlSA, Janab Md Azmal presided over the function, District Magistrate Dr Jagannath Mohanty, Additional District Judge Aseem Kumar Dalabehera and Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajesh Ekka spke at the workshop as guests. Among others, Civil Judge (Senior Division) PK Ganthia, Civil Courts Registrar Dr Indu Sharma, JMFC Kailash Sahu and Gram Nyayadhikari, Kolnora. lopamudra Malla also spoke on the occasion.
SATHII Country Head Dr l Rama Krishna made a power point presentation on the problems and prospects of the transgender community in the country in general and in Odisha in particular, especially aftermath the verdict of the Supreme Court.
DlSA Secretary Dr Md Irshadun Nabi dwelt at length on the various measures taken by the Government for welfare of the members of the transgender community and the DlSA’s role in espousing their cause.
In the open house discussion, matters relating to issuance of I-cards to transgender, their livelihood, shelter, healthcare, etc., were raised.
The participants were unanimous that transgender like any male or female citizen are entitled to all the rights guaranteed under the Constitution and also to all the benefits or welfare measures made available under any of the State or Central statutes.