Odisha Establishes State Transgender Welfare Board to Promote Inclusion and Rights

Bhubaneswar : In a landmark step toward inclusive governance and social justice, the Odisha government has officially constituted the State Transgender Welfare Board to safeguard the rights and well-being of transgender individuals across the state.

The announcement was made through a formal notification issued by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD). The board has been formed in accordance with Rule 10(1) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, and under the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

“The State Government of Odisha hereby constitutes the State Transgender Welfare Board, Odisha,” the notification stated, outlining the board’s objective to create comprehensive guidelines for the protection, rehabilitation, and welfare of transgender persons.

The 15-member board will be chaired by Nityananda Gond, Minister of SSEPD. The SSEPD Secretary will serve as Vice-Chairman, while the Director of the department will act as Member Secretary. The board will also include representatives from key government departments, three district collectors (on a rotational basis), two transgender community members, and two leading NGOs working for transgender welfare. Members will be nominated periodically by the government through official notifications.

The board’s core responsibilities include designing and implementing welfare schemes tailored to the transgender community, with a focus on education, employment, housing, and healthcare. It will also work to safeguard the constitutional and human rights of transgender persons while promoting their socio-economic empowerment.

To ensure its initiatives remain grounded in the community’s real needs, the board will undertake periodic surveys, research, and evaluations. It will also advocate for adequate budget allocations to support and expand welfare programs. The board will convene quarterly to assess progress, issue policy recommendations, and propose new strategies.

Officials noted that the board’s role will be instrumental in bridging state and central government initiatives, helping ensure transgender persons in Odisha can access entitlements and services without discrimination or delay.