Odisha Establishes Transgender Welfare Board for Community Support

The Odisha government has taken a significant step by forming a Transgender Welfare Board aimed at supporting the rehabilitation and welfare of the transgender community. With around 30,000 individuals in the state, this board will oversee the implementation of various welfare schemes, ensuring access to education, employment, and health services. Led by the Minister of Social Security, the board will include members from the transgender community and representatives from multiple government departments. This initiative marks Odisha as the 20th state to establish such a board, highlighting the growing recognition of transgender rights in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 17, 2025, 09:31 IST

Formation of the Transgender Welfare Board

The Odisha government has announced the creation of a state-level Transgender Welfare Board aimed at the rehabilitation and welfare of transgender individuals. This information was disclosed through an official notification.

According to officials, approximately 30,000 transgender individuals reside in the state. The notification released by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday stated that the board was established under the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

The board will consist of 12 members, led by the Minister of Social Security, Nityanand Gond. Its primary role will be to oversee the implementation of various schemes designed for the transgender community.

Two members from the transgender community will be included in the board, along with representatives from departments such as Health, Panchayati Raj, Housing and Urban Development, Skill Development, Higher Education, and School and Mass Education.

The notification further elaborated that the board will monitor the execution of educational, employment, housing, and health initiatives for transgender individuals, as well as the implementation of the transgender policy and various welfare programs. Odisha becomes the 20th state to establish a Transgender Welfare Board.