Govt sops for transgenders

Speaking to reporters after receiving a memorandum from a delegation of transgender representatives at his home office ‘Krishna’, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said he will direct the Social Welfare department to launch welfare schemes soon.

The government will provide a pension of Rs 400 per month on the lines of pension for devadasis and ration cards to transgenders.

He added that the government will also consider a recent recommendation made by the Karnataka Backward Classes Commission headed by C S Dwarakanath to extend reservation benefits provided to backward classes to transgenders and sexual minorities.

 MLA and former minister Shobha Karandlaje, who has taken the cause of transgenders, urged the government to allot them ashraya houses, provide loans, health insurances and reservations in higher education.