Tamil Nadu to create transgender database

CHENNAI: For the first time in the country, a special database of transgenders would be created by the Tamil Nadu government to help deal with their problems and demands.

In a policy note on social welfare tabled in the Assembly on Monday, social welfare minister Dr Poongothai said the database would have comprehensive details on transgenders. It would be created with the help of
a non-governmental organisation, Dr Poongathai said.

"We are starting the work with an NGO in this regard. We should hopefully have it ready in a couple of months. It is a unique initiative and is being done for the first time in the county," the minister said.

"Once we have the data, we shall look into the issues that transgenders face and try our best to resolve them," she told The Times of India.

The database would look into details, demands, population of transsexuals, facilities required by them such as ration cards, voter identity cards and health facilities, and look at ways of providing them with the same.

Tamil Nadu became the first state in the country to recognise transgenders as a separate gender and issue ration cards to them, passports are likely to follow.

Meanwhile, the government also proposes to constitute a board for transgenders to rehabilitate them and ensure equality and security for them in the society.

The board will look into the various problems, difficulties and inconveniences faced by them and based on these formulate and execute welfare schemes for their betterment.

The government has allocated Rs 50 lakh for the board to be set up for transgenders in 2008-09, Poongothaisaid.