In Sircilla, the government is working on plans to support transgenders financially and help them develop self-reliance. One of the initiatives is to set up a petrol pump to create more opportunities for transgenders in the district. The district Collector has instructed officials to complete this project quickly during a development review meeting in February.
Under the Equal Opportunity Act for Transgenders, the Rajanna Sircilla district administration, led by Collector Anurag Jayanti, is focusing on the welfare of transgenders. Identity cards have already been issued to 25 transgenders in the district. An agreement is in progress with We-Hub to provide training programs for self-employment.
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) has been issued for the petrol pump project, which will be operated by Indian Oil Company. The construction of the pump, costing around Rs 3 crore, will provide direct employment to 15 transgender individuals and indirect employment to another ten. Awareness programs have also been conducted for transgenders in the district.
Training programs on petrol pump management will be organized soon for transgenders. The District Welfare Officer, Lakshmi Rajam, is developing a plan for this initiative. The establishment of the petrol pump will offer financial benefits to transgenders and provide them with ongoing employment opportunities.
Transgender individuals in Sircilla are optimistic about the petrol pump project and see it as a way to achieve financial stability. They believe this initiative will empower them and serve as an example for other transgenders. According to Lakshmi Rajam, various innovative development programs are being implemented in the district to support transgenders under the Equal Opportunity Act 2019. Gender reassignment guidelines are being followed, and efforts are being made to secure permanent employment for transgenders through training programs.