BENGALURU: Mayor Sampath Raj has directed the officials to ensure that the money allocated for the welfare of transgender community was properly used.
In the BBMP budget for 2015-16, Rs 2 crore was allocated for transgenders, but it was not used as there was no proper implementation of projects and schemes. But the money remained unutilized in coffers.
The Mayor told Deccan Chronicle, “During one of the meetings, it was found that the money was left untouched. I summoned the officials concerned and checked with them and they gave various reasons. The major one was that most of them did not have proofs of identity and address issued by the government and this had hampered the process to carry out the implementation plans.”
An official from the BBMP said, “Our primary motive is to focus on the health, education and soft skill training programmes. Recently, we met several people from the transgender community and it is learnt that there are over 6,000 transgenders residing in the city. They undergo hardships every day and the major problem is sexual harassment. “
The officials said that they found that even if they want to earn a livelihood by setting up a small business like beauty salon or a tailoring shop, none of them are willing to rent them space. “But we have promised to work towards the problems and ensure that they lead a life like everyone else.”
The mayor also assured that once the Rs 2 crore is spent, the amount will be raised in the next budget.
When contacted about the recent developments, Akkai Padmasali, a transgender right activist, said, “It was a fruitful meeting and our problems were expressed and the Mayor has assured to look into at the earliest. We will have to wait for the implementation, until than nothing can be said.”
Struggle for a bus pass
Sana, a student in a reputed college had to face discrimination in getting a BMTC bus pass due to her identity.
She said, “For the past three years, I have been applying for the bus pass but was denied due to my gender identity. I have written a complaint to the Mayor, who has assured to talk to the BMTC officials and get the issue resolved. I am denied the basic right because of my identity.”
