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West Bengal Announces India's First Transgender Development Board, But The Community Is Far From Convinced
"Such boards exist only in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu where these are known as transgender welfare boards. But our CM has decided to call it a development board since we are not doing the third gender a favour. We are trying to empower them and give them their rights through the board,"
"We will hand them out I-cards, look after their health and education and ensure overall development, which is their right,"
“It seems that the board is a mere political gimmick before the KMC polls. CM’s endorsement of the board as being first-of-its-kind is quite flawed. How can the government distinguish between a ‘welfare' board and a ‘development' board? What is the difference between the two? ”
“It is good that such a step has been taken. But I will still like to watch what is done for us. I hope we will not be deprived of justice. I wish the board should also address the problems of ‘transmen’ as per guidelines by the Supreme Court."
There exists a situation in India where this advertisement is a reality.
Words: Devang Pathak