Kajol is a lady jockey and also a film actress. Mruthyunjay is an arecanut and rasam powder dealer, whereas Sudarshan is a coconut vendor. Anand and Uday are involved in poultry. Santhosh and Raju Mogaveera are into marketing clothes.
It might sound a mundane work that millions in India take up for a living. But, they all are extra-ordinary as they are neither male nor female. They all belong to the third sex euphemistically called transgenders and have always been looked down upon by the society in our country.
They are not only mocked, laughed at but also subjected to social and economic discrimination. That’s why they are forced to beg on streets, dance, extort or turn to criminal activities including prostitution.
DC Udupi, Kurma Rao, IAS mentioned that, “These transgenders receive problems in getting good/specialist health care facilities at specialised hospitals. Not only this, general people mostly shift in houses or accommodations used by transgenders. They even face difficulties in using public toilets/ general wards of hospitals due to confusion of using Male/Female toilets/wards.”
UDYOGINI SCHEME
Udupi district administration in Karnataka has however, attempted to provide them social dignity and economic security by providing self-employment opportunities under unique Udyogini scheme. The scheme has been recognized by the Union Government under ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore’ campaign as a part of the Good Governance Week.
Sanjeev, took a loan under the Udyogini scheme last year to set up a fast-food centre has now become a successful entrepreneur. Sajeev not only paid off the loan borrowed to set up the business but is also making decent profits.
Udyogini scheme was launched by the District Collector Udupi, Mr Kurma Rao, an IAS officer. A bank loan upto 3 Lakhs with a 30 percent subsidy of is provided to the persons of third sex to start a business. The scheme has benefitted several other transgenders like Sanjeev. Some of whom have started a beauty parlour or become a tailor.
HOUSING & IDENTITY
The Udupi district administration had provided 0.08acres land to three transgenders for construction of shelter and livelihood was provided at Herooru village of Bramhavara Taluk in 2015. This was just the beginning. Now the administration has tapped into providing all basic facilities to the discriminated gender.
Udupi has been successful in providing voter cards to all the 282 Transgenders. Mythri – a pension scheme launched by the administration for transgenders, provides Rs 800 per month to 28 members of the community.
Apart from this, Mr. Kurma Rao told, “Free HIV test and treatment at ICTC and ART Centers is being provided to them through DAPCU.”
IN SCHOOL SYLLABUS
Not only this, but the district is a pioneer in issuing transgenders Identity cards under the National Portal for Transgenders. Till now, almost 10 Transgenders have been issued these cards. Now the administration has planned to include transgenders as a subject in school syllabus to eliminate the negative attitude among the people.
