Sexual minorities get no benefits and bank loans - ZP CEO

Sexual minorities get no benefits and bank loans - ZP CEO

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, July 23, 2014:  Speaking at the review meet to assessprogress in the distribution of beneficiary programmes meant for sexual minorities, Udupi Zilla Panchayath CEO Kanagavalli has pointed out, banks are not keen in giving loans to sexual minorities.

She said that nine sexual minorities were assured loans up to Rs 20,000 for self-employment from Women Development Board. However, the banks in the district are reluctant to provide loans. The CEO assured that the issue would be discussed in the bank meetings.

CEO Kanagavalli went on to say,  the district has 50 registered sexual minorities involved with various organisations, according to government statistics. But most of them do not come forward to avail the government benefits. Only one  applied under ‘Maitrey’ scheme. The CEO urged the officials to be the catalysts in extending benefits of the government programmes meant for sexual minorities.

The representatives of the sexual minorities stated they fear the society. If they come forward to apply, the family and the society may treat them badly. The CEO asked the representatives to ensure that the applicants give contact numbers on application for better communication and speed up the process of distributing benefits.The age is also relaxed, to  the age group of 30 to 65.

The ZP CEO assured that a decision will be taken over the proposal to consider recruiting sexual minorities for various posts in ZP now being outsourced. She also assured that talks will be held with police department to ensure safety to transgenders.

Further, HO Dr Ramachandra Bairy said there is a facility of two bed rooms for the sexual minorities in the government hospital. Every Thursday test is conducted for the sexual minorities to give them the certificate authenticating their gender status.

The district Electoral Tahsildar Sheik said that sexual minorities can make use of the opportunity to enroll in the electoral list and get the EPIC card, which would in turn help them to avail the benefits of various developmental schemes. The need for regular interaction is highlighted.