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West Bengal Announces India's First Transgender Development Board, But The Community Is Far From Convinced

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Image Source: New York Times
 "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,"
Image Source: Huffington Post UK
“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."
Image Source: Stock Photography for All

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