The provincial government has introduced a comprehensive new policy aimed at protecting transgender persons from harassment, violence and discrimination, while ensuring their social and economic rehabilitation.
According to policy documents, a special endowment fund will be established for the first time in the province to improve the economic conditions of transgender individuals.
The documents state that rehabilitation centres, safe homes and community shelters will be set up for transgender persons. The establishment of a Transgender Persons Welfare Registry and a formal database has been made mandatory to ensure effective assistance to deserving individuals.
Under the policy, inclusion of transgender persons in provincial and national social protection programmes, grants, health insurance schemes, skill development initiatives and emergency response measures has been declared essential. The Social Welfare Department has been designated as the focal department for transgender affairs in the province and will oversee their inclusion and integration in all government services and schemes.
Furthermore, the policy binds various provincial departments and commissions to adopt coordinated measures. It also recommends including transgender persons in the case management system, protective shelters and family mediation mechanisms.
Awareness about the rights of transgender persons will be incorporated into police training courses, and transgender coordination desks will be established at police stations. Similarly, sensitization measures will be introduced in certified training programmes for drivers and conductors under the Transport Department.
The policy also makes it mandatory for the Health Department, Education Department and other relevant institutions to implement recommendations regarding the rehabilitation and mainstreaming of transgender persons. The provincial government stated that the policy marks a significant step towards providing a dignified and secure environment for the transgender community.
