Kerala takes a big step for its transgender people. The state government starts a new home plan, the first like it in India, to give them good and safe houses. This plan helps fix a big problem: many transgender people find it hard to get a proper home and often face unfair treatment. This new move shows how much Kerala wants to help everyone live with respect. The plan is now active, giving real homes and hope to those who need it most. setting a clear example for other places to follow.
New Steps for Housing
The government of Kerala is set to launch a special housing program aimed at helping the transgender community. This new plan, called the “Kerala Transgender Special Housing Scheme,” seeks to provide financial help for transgender people to buy land and build their own homes. The program is managed by the Social Justice Department of Kerala. An initial amount of 50 lakh rupees has been set aside for the first part of this program. This step is crucial because it directly addresses the housing problems faced by transgender individuals, offering them a chance to live with more dignity and safety. The scheme is planned to be formally started by Social Justice Minister R Bindu at the ‘Varnapakittu’ transgender arts festival in Kozhikode, which will take place from August 21 to 23.
Help to Get a Home
The new housing scheme offers different ways to get financial support, depending on each person’s situation. There are three main options for transgender people who want to get help with housing.
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The first option is for those who do not own any land or a house. The government will offer them an interest-free loan of 15 lakh rupees. Under this plan, the government will pay the interest on the loan. the person who gets the loan will only need to pay back the main amount in easy monthly payments.
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The second option is for transgender people who already own land or have been given land through other programs. They can get up to 6 lakh rupees to build a house on their land. This money will be given out in three parts as the building work moves forward.
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The third option helps those who have already received some housing help from local government programs or the Kudumbashree scheme. only received 2 lakh rupees. Under the new scheme, they can get an extra 4 lakh rupees, bringing their total support to 6 lakh rupees. This extra help is meant to improve or complete their homes.
The goal of these options is to provide flexible support that fits the different needs of the transgender community.
Who Can Get This Support
To get help from the Kerala Transgender Special Housing Scheme, applicants must meet certain conditions. The main requirement is that the applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala. They also need to have a valid identity document that proves they are transgender. The government has set clear rules for choosing who gets help first. Priority will be given to:
- People who do not own any home.
- Those who are living in temporary or unsafe places.
- Older transgender individuals.
- Transgender people with disabilities.
For those applying for money to build a house, they must show proof that they own the land. A special group, led by the Director of Social Justice, will be in charge of picking the applicants. People can send in their requests online or by visiting an office. This process is designed to be fair and open, making sure that help goes to those who need it most.
Why This Help Is Needed
Transgender people in India often face many problems, especially when it comes to finding a safe and stable place to live. They often face unfair treatment and are kept out of society. Many are even forced to leave their families because of their gender identity. This lack of support means they struggle to find steady jobs and often do not have a secure home. A study done before Kerala made its Transgender Policy in 2015 found that about 51% of transgender people in the state had been forced to leave their families. Because of these challenges, finding a house or even renting one can be very hard. they might have to pay higher rents or face strict rules from landlords. Kerala has been a leader in India for transgender rights. In 2015, it was the first state to create a policy to protect transgender people from unfair treatment. Since then, the state has also started programs for free surgeries, jobs in government. special schools for transgender students. Even with these steps, the struggle for proper housing has remained a big issue for the community. This new housing scheme aims to fill that gap and ensure that basic needs like shelter are met for everyone.
What People Are Saying
The launch of this housing scheme has been met with positive reactions from both government officials and members of the transgender community. Social Justice Minister R Bindu has spoken about the program’s goals.
“The pioneering scheme aims to provide a supportive environment, addressing the unique challenges faced by the transgender community. By offering affordable housing options, the government hopes to empower transgender individuals, promoting their inclusion and well-being in society.”
This statement highlights the government’s aim to create a more welcoming society for transgender people. Community members also see this scheme as a step forward. Sheetal Shyam, a transgender activist, shared her thoughts on the program.
“This is not just about building houses. It is about building futures. For years, we have been asking to be seen, not pitied. This scheme tells us: yes, you exist. yes, you deserve stability. And we appreciate this move by the State Government.”
Her words show the strong emotional meaning behind having a stable home, which goes beyond just a physical structure. The program has been discussed with different groups and members of the state transgender justice board. they have given a good response to it. This shows that the scheme is being created with input from those it aims to help.
A Look Ahead
The Kerala Transgender Special Housing Scheme is a big step towards ensuring that transgender people have safe and lasting homes. By giving financial support for buying land and building houses, the scheme aims to make a real difference in the lives of many. The focus on different options for support means that the program can help a wider range of people, from those with no land to those needing to finish building their homes. The initial funding of 50 lakh rupees shows the government’s commitment to the project. As the scheme rolls out, the careful selection process, led by the Director of Social Justice, will aim to ensure that help reaches the most vulnerable members of the community, including older and disabled transgender people. This initiative builds on Kerala’s history of leading the way in transgender rights and working towards a more fair and inclusive society for all its citizens. 
