Guwahati, 1 March: The Assam government has taken a bold step towards promoting inclusivity and empowering the transgender community in India. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a transgender-run tea stall has been set up at Guwahati railway station, fully managed and operated by members of the transgender community.
The project is a collaboration between the North East Frontier Railway and the All Assam Transgender Association, and it aims to provide opportunities for more transgender individuals to be rehabilitated through different government programs. The NEFR has plans to set up more such tea stalls at other railway stations in the region.
This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind by any government organization in the country, as stated by NEFR General Manager Anshul Gupta during the inauguration. The move is seen as a positive step towards removing the stigma around the transgender community and promoting their empowerment.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Assam has taken steps towards the empowerment of the transgender community. Last year, a similar initiative was launched at the Kamrup deputy commissioner’s office in Amingaon, Guwahati.
The Supreme Court had recognized the transgender community as the third gender in a historic judgment on April 15, 2015. The central government also approved a comprehensive scheme called “Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise,” which includes a sub-scheme for the rehabilitation and welfare of transgender people.
The Assam government’s latest initiative is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and empowering the transgender community. It’s a positive move that will hopefully inspire other government organizations in the country to take similar steps towards promoting equality and empowerment.
