The State Government of Karnataka has issued a landmark Policy for Transgenders. The Karnataka State Policy for Transgenders, 2017 aims to integrate the TG communities into mainstream society and guarantee a secure future for them. The policy is a significant step towards ensuring a stigma-free, inclusive and equitable environment for the transgenders. It addresses their vulnerabilities holistically and proposes initiatives for their social, psychological, financial welfare.

Some of the proposed initiatives of the Policy include creating awareness about the TG community in all educational institutions of the state; reaching out to the family members of TGs through Anganwadi workers to sensitise them about trans-children and setting up a monitoring committee/ cell at educational institutions to address the issues of discrimination, sexual abuse and violence against transgenders

The Policy has made an attempt to include the private sector as well. Workplaces in the public and private sector must include and implement anti-discrimination policies at all levels. Further, it has mandated that workplace sexual harassment policies should be made transgender inclusive.

To ensure there is no misuse of the benefits granted through the Policy, it provides for a detailed identification and certification process at the district level, with the help of NGOs to make the process more transparent, efficient and accessible.

One of the primary objectives of the policy is to establish an accountability mechanisms to ensure that schemes and programmes developed for TGs are working efficiently for the benefit of the community.

The Karnataka State Policy for Transgenders instituted by the GoK in consultation with organisations, civil society groups and experts is a step in the right direction. Years of efforts for equal rights for Transgenders has yielded results. We are hopeful that this Policy will be implemented with the spirit of equity and respect and mark a significant beginning towards the overall wellbeing of TG community across the state.