Noida DM sets up transgender security cell to enhance community safety, inclusion

 Noida DM sets up transgender security cell to enhance community safety, inclusion

Noida: Responding to security concerns raised by representatives of the transgender community, district magistrate (Gautam Budh Nagar) Manish Kumar Verma has directed the police department to establish a dedicated transgender security cell. A nodal officer will be appointed at the district level to ensure swift action on complaints and grievances from transgender individuals.

The decision came during a seminar held at the district collectorate on Wednesday (Feb 5), where transgender community members, along with district and police officials, discussed key issues related to safety, welfare and social inclusion.

Ram Kali, a member of Basera Samajik Sansthan-Sahas Project, an NGO working for transgender rights, directly raised several concerns with the DM. “The society still refuses to accept us and we continue to face discrimination in every sphere of life — from education to employment,” she said. “We don’t need charity; we need equal opportunities to work in companies and factories based on our merit.”

Speaking to TOI, Ram Kali also pointed out the non-functionality of the existing transgender security cell. “A transgender security cell exists only on paper — it’s not operational. We demand that a transgender representative be included in the cell so that our voices can be heard, and real action can be taken on our complaints,” she added.

DM Verma directed that the cell be made functional. “The cell should be set up at all police stations of the district so that issues of the transgender community are resolved at the earliest, without discrimination or bias,” the DM said.

Noida police officials said that the transgender security cell is active and one inspector from the police department is also appointed under the cell.

“While the cell is active at a district level, we will assess the manpower assigned to the cell at police station level,” Suniti, DCP, Women Safety, said.

Highlighting the importance of formal identification, district social welfare officer Satish Kumar shared that Gautam Budh Nagar issued the highest number of transgender ID cards and certificates in the state. “Since the implementation of the scheme, GB Nagar issued 148 transgender ID cards, which is highest in the state. It’s crucial for transgender individuals to apply for their ID cards through the Smile Online Portal so they can access various welfare schemes offered by the central and state govts,” Kumar said.

He also mentioned that Basera Samajik Sansthan NGO submitted a proposal to the state govt for the establishment of Garima Griha, a govt-supported shelter home that would provide transgender individuals with a safe living environment and access to essential support services, under a scheme of the minister of state for social justice and empowerment.

DM Verma assured the community that the administration is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for transgender individuals in education, health, and employment. “The district administration will work to provide housing, education, jobs, and pensions for transgender individuals, in line with existing govt schemes,” the DM said, directing the social welfare department to actively follow up on these requests.

Courtesy: Times of India

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