Odisha govt constitutes State Transgender Welfare Board; know its members, major objectives

The Odisha government has constituted the State Transgender Welfare Board to make a comprehensive guideline for rehabilitation and welfare of transgenders and protect their interest as per the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

The State Transgender Board shall consist of several members, with the Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities as its chairman. The Secretary of the same department will be vice-chairman of the Board.

Apart from this, there will be representatives from 7 departments of the Odisha government as members, two representatives of transgender person community from across the state, 3 district Collectors on a rotation basis and two NGO representatives as the members of the Board.

As per the official notification, the members shall be nominated by the Odisha government from time to time.

Duration Of The Board

The term of office of the Board shall be for a period of three years. On completion of three years, the department will take steps for reconstitution of the Board.

Major Objectives Of The Board

The Board will look after education, employment, housing, and health schemes for transgender and protect their Constitutional and human rights. 

Study the needs and requirements of transgender persons from time to time through surveys, research and evaluation in such manner as may be necessary. 

Ensure that sufficient and quality development projects, programmes and schemes are formulated and adequate funds are allocated for effective implementation of TG Policy.
 
Ensure convergence of existing schemes across departments for a more targeted and focused approach towards ensuring the well-being of the TG community. 

Monitor the implementation of various welfare and other programmes of TGs in the districts. 

Act as a connecting link between the Central Government and the State Governments.