In a move that is bound to provide much-needed social fillip to transgenders, the Punjab government has announced a slew of steps for them in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court.

Content on transgenders and their issues will be included in school curriculum in Punjab, said a government spokesperson on Sunday. Transgender children will also be provided scholarships, fee waiver, free textbooks and other facilities at subsidised rates. 

Educational institutions and universities will establish an anti-discrimination cell and sensitise students and staff to ensure that there’s no discrimination. The spokesperson said the Punjab government has decided to chalk out a collective inter-department strategy to implement the Supreme Court directives on transgender issues. This will also redress the entrenched discrimination they face. 

He said all departments have been directed to submit a report stating their plan of action in this regard. The departments will also have to spell out their contribution and policies to move beyond the binary-gender system.

To create employment opportunities for transgenders, the state will establish vocational training centres and a helpline for career guidance. Loans at 25 per cent subsidy will be provided to facilitate venture set-ups. The state will also support and collaborate with NGOs working towards transgender empowerment, said the spokesperson.