Mangaluru: During an awareness programme organised by the district Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) committee at Zilla Panchayat Hall in Mangaluru on Tuesday, transgenders community urged the government to provide the basic facility of shelter and jobs for them.

Speaking on the occasion, Radio Jockey Kajal of Sarang community radio said that there is nobody for transgenders to look up to. “They are deprived of housing facilities.

Even though India got independence 70 years ago, the transgenders do not have independence. They are forced to beg on the streets to make ends meet. Even though there are some educated people in the community, nobody is ready to employ them.

The government should provide jobs to them,” she said. Kajal further lamented that the perspective of people about transgenders is very low and it is important to have a job to lead a dignified life.

Sarathya organisation representative Savitha said that the fight of the transgender community is still fighting for their identity. Though things have changed after 2013, much needs to be done by the government.

Another member Sandhya said that the transgender community cannot afford to run away from society and they have to earn a dignified position to change people’s mindset towards them.

ZP CEO M R Ravi said that discussions are on towards providing sites to transgenders. They should not confine itself to begging and should claim their rights as citizens. They should exercise their franchise for a better tomorrow and this will help them strengthen their fight.

Senior Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Mallanagowda B Patil said that there are 4.8 million transgenders in India.

Unfortunately, they are looked down upon by the civilians. Owing to the directions by the High Court and the Supreme Court, the transgenders are able to get into government jobs. Kochi metro has 23 transgender employees, he said. The transgenders are guaranteed with human rights, by the court.

District Women and Child Welfare department Deputy Director Sundar Poojary, District Health Officer Dr Ramakrishna Rao, District Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Rajeshwari Devi and Navasahaja association district President Pravin were present among others.