Lodhi community men assault physically challenged Dalit groom during pre-wedding procession in MP
Four Lodhi community men, identified as Vishwanath Lodhi, Bicchu, Chinnu and Paltu Lodhi, pulled the groom from the horse and assauled him with sticks. BHOPAL: A 23-year-old physically challenged scheduled caste (SC) groom, Golu Ahirwar, was brutally assaulted and pulled down from a horse allegedly by members of the OBC Lodhi community in Damoh district of MP’s Bundelkhand region during his pre-wedding procession. The incident happened in Bijori Pathak village under Hatta police station area on Tuesday evening, when the Rachwai (a customary pre-wedding ritual) of the groom was underway. As the pre-wedding procession of the Dalit groom passed through the village, powerful Lodhi community men overtook the procession and parked their vehicle to block the passage. Four Lodhi community men, identified as Vishwanath Lodhi, Bicchu, Chinnu and Paltu Lodhi, pulled the groom from the horse and started assaulting him with sticks. The video of the alleged incident was recorded by the Dalit family. The groom’s mother, Vidya Ahirwar, alleged that the attackers showed no mercy, despite her son being physically challenged. “They beat him mercilessly. They didn’t even spare my daughter, Manisha. They assaulted her when she tried to resist the attack on her brother.” After the incident, the Dalit family rushed to the Hatta police station and reported the entire matter. While confirming the incident, Hatta police station in-charge Sudhir Kumar said, a case has been registered under IPC Sections 126(2), 296(b), 115(2), 351(2), 3(5) and relevant Sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and investigations are underway. The police force has been deployed in the village to prevent further escalation and ensure that the wedding rituals proceed without disruption. As per reports, after undergoing a medical examination, the groom and his family left for Budhi Semra village in the adjoining Chhatarpur district to complete the wedding rituals. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Why Congress faces a ‘no-win’ situation in West Bengal
On May 2, 2021, Rahul Gandhi congratulated Mamata Banerjee and the people of West Bengal for “soundly defeating the BJP.” “I’m happy to congratulate Mamata ji and the people of West Bengal for soundly defeating the BJP,” he wrote on Twitter (now called X). — RahulGandhi (@RahulGandhi) However, the irony was hard to miss. While the BJP had indeed been kept out of power, it recorded its strongest-ever performance in the state — winning 77 seats, up from just three in 2016 — and firmly established itself as the principal challenger to the TMC. West Bengal assembly elections 2021 results Congress, by contrast, failed to open its account. Five years later, as Banerjee seeks a fourth consecutive term and the BJP eyes its maiden government in West Bengal, Congress finds itself out of the race and staring at a no-win situation: a Mamata victory could position her as a frontrunner for the joint opposition’s prime ministerial face in 2029, while a BJP triumph would add a major state to its kitty and further strengthen its momentum ahead of the general election. Which of the two outcomes would the grand old party “prefer?” Mamata Banerjee’s rise A former Congress leader, Banerjee founded the TMC in January 1998, and the party has since been part of governments at the Centre led by both the Congress and the BJP. Now an on-and-off ally of the Congress, she ended the Left Front’s 34-year rule in West Bengal in 2011 and secured two further terms, firmly establishing herself as one of India’s most formidable regional leaders. West Bengal CMs in last 50 years After a setback in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when the BJP won 18 of West Bengal’s 42 constituencies, Banerjee staged a strong comeback just two years later, leading the Trinamool to a third consecutive term. The optics of TMC’s victory, despite an aggressive BJP campaign led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, combined with Banerjee’s move to challenge her former aide Suvendu Adhikari in his stronghold Nandigram — where she lost narrowly — burnished her credentials. Mamata Banerjee Quote A fourth term would all but put her firmly in contention to be the national opposition’s face in the 2029 contest. BJP’s emergence as principal challenger to TMC The BJP did not find immediate success in West Bengal after Modi became prime minister in May 2014, winning just two Lok Sabha seats that year and only three constituencies in the assembly polls two years later. That changed in 2019, when it won 303 Lok Sabha seats, including 18 from West Bengal. In 2021, though the BJP fell far short of its 200-seat target, it decisively recast the state’s politics as a two-horse race. BJP's seat surge in Bengal Nationally, too, despite no longer enjoying a majority of its own, the saffron party, with 240 Lok Sabha MPs—more than the combined opposition—remains on favourite to secure a fourth term, reinforcing the perception of sustained national dominance. Congress’ decline in West Bengal—and beyond In February, Congress unilaterally ended its alliance with the Left Front and announced it would go it alone in West Bengal. This, in a state where, despite its rich political history, the party has not had a chief minister since 1977, when its three-decade run in power came to an end. Congress' declining arc in Bengal Its dominance in the Lok Sabha from West Bengal has been far more limited. The last time Congress reached double digits in the state was in 1984, when it won 16 seats as part of its nationwide sweep of 414 seats. Since then, Congress has not secured a majority on its own at the Centre. In the previous three Lok Sabha elections, it failed to cross the 100-seat mark. It is currently in power in just three states—Karnataka, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh. The removal of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a staunch Mamata critic, by the Congress as its Bengal unit chief, was also seen by many as the party “capitulating” to the TMC supremo. Chowdhury had held the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat—where Muslims make up roughly half the electorate—since 1999. In the 2024 general elections, Banerjee nominated former cricketer Yusuf Pathan, a Gujarat native, who went on to unseat Chowdhury. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Congress’ Rahul dilemma: Can’t win with him, can’t do without him Congress contested the 2014, 2019, and 2024 general elections under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, albeit without formally projecting him as its prime ministerial candidate. The 2019 defeat was chastening in both magnitude and context, coming under his direct leadership as party president and soon after he oversaw assembly victories in three Hindi heartland states in December 2018. Although he resigned as party chief in July 2019, Gandhi has continued to be the party’s most prominent face and principal decision-maker. Rahul Gandhi career Congress’ 2024 resurgence—along with that of the broader opposition—was widely credited to Gandhi’s two “Bharat Jodo” pan-India marches, which many believe contributed to a noticeable shift in public perception of him. With numners on Congress’ side, he was subsequently made leader of the opposition, the first since 2014. Rahul Gandhi career However, what followed was a series of electoral reverses in the state assembly elections. He subsequently alleged irregularities by the Election Commission, accusing it of bias towards the BJP and holding multiple press conferences on the issue, but the setbacks continued. According to political observers, what hurts Gandhi is that he has never held public office—even when his own party was in power from 2004 to 2014—along with the Congress’ poor electoral record under his leadership, his frequent foreign trips, and a tendency to raise issues that often fail to resonate with voters and persist with them despite their lack of traction on the ground—raising persistent questions about his effectiveness as a national challenger. Leadership question within INDIA bloc The INDIA bloc, formed in July 2023, brought together Congress and several regional parties opposed to the BJP under one umbrella. With the grand old
MP: Attack on Dalit Groom’s Pre-Wedding Procession in Damoh; Pulled Off Horse and Assaulted; Family Reaches Police Station with Wedding Procession
A case has come to light in the Hatta police station area of Damoh, where a Dalit groom with a disability was pulled off his horse and assaulted by local strongmen during his *Rachwai* (pre-wedding procession). The police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act and have initiated an investigation. On Tuesday evening, a dispute erupted during the *Rachwai* of a disabled groom belonging to the Dalit community in Bijori Pathak village, located within the Hatta police station jurisdiction of Damoh district. It is alleged that certain influential individuals (strongmen) from the village pulled the groom down from his horse and assaulted him using sticks and clubs. The incident caused chaos and panic at the scene. Members of the groom’s side, accompanied by the entire wedding procession, proceeded to the Hatta police station and lodged a formal complaint. The police have registered a case under various sections, including the SC/ST Act, and have deployed a police force in the village to maintain order. **Wedding Procession Bound for Chhatarpur; Pre-Wedding Procession Being Held First** According to reports, the wedding procession of Golu Ahirwar (23)—son of Bhagirath Ahirwar and a resident of Bijori Pathak village—was scheduled to travel on Tuesday to Budhi Semra village in the Buxwaha region of Chhatarpur district. Before the main wedding procession departed, the groom’s *Rachwai* was being carried out within the village around 5:00 PM. Golu was seated on a horse, while his family members and fellow community members were celebrating. During this time, as the *Rachwai* reached the ‘Lodhi Mohalla’ (neighborhood) of the village, certain individuals raised objections. It is alleged that they demanded the groom dismount from his horse. When he resisted, the physical assault began. **Groom Levels Serious Allegations** The victim, groom Golu Ahirwar, stated that as soon as the *Rachwai* reached the front of a particular house, some people present there pulled him down from his horse and attacked him with sticks and clubs. He alleged that Guddu Singh, Krishna, Hakam, Paltu, and others were involved in assaulting him. Golu further mentioned that despite his disability, the accused beat him mercilessly. **Allegations of Assault Against Sister and Mother as Well** The groom’s mother, Vidya Ahirwar, stated that when family members announced that the groom’s wedding procession (Baraat) was about to depart and the traditional pre-procession ritual (Rachhwai) was being observed, the accused launched an attack. She further reported that her daughter—the groom’s sister, Manisha—who intervened to mediate the situation, was also physically assaulted. A complaint has also been lodged regarding the disappearance of some of her gold jewelry during the altercation. **Entire Wedding Procession Reaches Police Station; Police Conduct Medical Examination** Following the incident, members of the groom’s side, outraged by the events, took the groom and the entire wedding procession to the Hatta Police Station. A formal complaint was registered there. The police subsequently arranged for a medical examination of the groom. Thereafter, the wedding procession was allowed to proceed under police protection. **Case Registered Under SC/ST Act and Other Provisions** Late at night, following the registration of the case, Hatta Police Station In-charge Sudhir Kumar Begi stated that, based on the complaint filed by the aggrieved party—Gariba Ahirwar—a case has been registered against local villagers Vishwanath Lodhi, Bichchhu Lodhi, Paltu, and other accused individuals under various sections of the law, including the SC/ST Act. He added that, in view of the prevailing tension in the village, an adequate police force has been deployed to ensure that the wedding rituals can be conducted peacefully. **Outrage Within the Dalit Community; Preparations Underway for a Major Protest** The incident has sparked widespread outrage within the local Dalit community. Community members have demanded the immediate arrest of the accused and strict punitive action against them. Several social organizations have also condemned the incident, issuing a warning to the administration that if strict action is not taken against the culprits, a framework for a large-scale protest movement will be devised. **Questions Raised Regarding Social Responsibility and the Spirit of the Constitution** This incident is not merely a criminal matter; it serves as a test of social consciousness and constitutional values. The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to live with equality, respect, and dignity. Preventing any individual from participating in weddings, festivities, or social traditions on the basis of caste is not only a legally punishable offense but also a violation of fundamental human values. **Similar Disputes Have Occurred in the Past** For years, the government, social welfare organizations, and conscientious citizens have been striving to strengthen social harmony by propagating messages of equality, brotherhood, and mutual respect. Such efforts are having a visible positive impact on society, with people in numerous villages and cities setting aside caste distinctions to celebrate festivals and ceremonies together. However, incidents of this nature indicate that the narrow-minded and casteist mentality of certain individuals continues to act as a hindrance to social progress. Such individuals must respect the law, understand the rights and duties enshrined in the Constitution, and convey a message of equality and harmony—rather than discrimination—to the younger generation. According to villagers, disputes regarding the wedding procession (*rachwai*) of a young man from the Dalit community have arisen in the village on previous occasions as well. Even at that time, the procession was eventually carried out only after the intervention of social organizations. The recurrence of such an incident has once again created an atmosphere of tension within the village. **Here, for the First Time, a Dalit Groom Rode a Horse** On Saturday evening, in the village of Patna Durga—located adjacent to Damoh city—a wedding procession featuring a Dalit groom riding a horse was carried out for the very first time. The event concluded peacefully. Deepraj Jatav, the District President of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram), along with his team, had proactively requested police protection in advance. In recent times, several incidents involving attempts to prevent Dalit grooms from riding horses—often accompanied by physical assault—have come to light within the district. The case involving
‘I never said PM is a terrorist’: Kharge clarifies remark, says ‘Modi always threatens’; BJP calls Cong chief ‘frustrated’
NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “terrorist” and later issued a clarification, in remarks expected to trigger political controversy during the ongoing election season. Kharge made the statement in Chennai at a press conference on the final day of campaigning for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, scheduled for Thursday. He was criticising the opposition AIADMK over its alliance with PM Modi’s BJP. “How can they (AIADMK) join with Modi? He is a terrorist. And he doesn’t believe in equality. His party won’t believe in equality and justice. And these people are joining with them, it means that they are weakening democracy, they are weakening the philosophy of Annadurai, Kamaraj, Periyar, Kalaignar, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar,” he said. “The Congress-DMK alliance will continue to deliver welfare, inclusive growth, quality education, and accessible healthcare,” he added. When questioned on the context of his remarks, the Congress chief said he meant that the prime minister always “threatens” and pointed to the alleged “misuse” of agencies by the BJP-led central government. “I want to clarify that Modi always threatens. The institutions like ED, I-T and CBI are in his hands. Therefore I say, in that context, I say he is terrorising people and political parties,” the veteran politician stated. Reacting to Kharge’s remarks, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya criticised the Congress leader, calling it a “yet another crass display” in a post on X. “This isn’t the first time Kharge has dragged public discourse to such lows. But with this remark, he hasn’t just diminished himself, he has exposed what is a stated approach of the Congress: abuse and vilification of India’s most popular leader instead of meaningful debate. When politics is reduced to name-calling, it reflects not strength, but a deep frustration and lack of credible alternatives,” Malviya posted. AIADMK, an arch-rival of the ruling DMK, joined hands with the BJP in April 2025 after breaking away from the alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, in which both parties failed to win any seats in Tamil Nadu. The DMK and its allies had swept the state in that election. Counting of votes for all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for May 4. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Submit public apology’: BJP moves EC against Mallikarjun Kharge over ‘terrorist’ remark, seeks action under poll code
NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday wrote to the Election Commission of India (EC) seeking action against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his “terrorist” remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party called Kharge’s remark a “grossly derogatory” statement and a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). In a formal complaint to the poll body, the BJP wrote: “As widely reported, Shri Kharge has while addressing a conference called Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi ‘He is a terrorist.’ The remark has been circulated widely in print, television, and digital media, with substantial potential to vitiate the electoral atmosphere.” The party argued that such remarks amount to “extreme personal vilification” and violate the standards of campaign discourse mandated under the MCC, which is in force in poll-bound Tamil Nadu. Earlier in the day, Kharge sparked controversy after calling PM Modi a “terrorist” during a press conference, while criticising the AIADMK-BJP alliance in Tamil Nadu. However, later, the Congress chief clarified saying he meant the PM was “terrorising people and political parties” and insisted he had not literally called him a terrorist. Now the BJP has responded sharply by moving to the EC with its five-point demand. The BJP urged the EC to “take immediate cognizance of the statement being a prima facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct” and sought directions for Kharge to issue “a public apology/retraction” or face appropriate campaign restrictions. It also called for penal action under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 175, 171/174, and 356(1). The party stated: “Calling a contesting political leader a ‘terrorist’ is not mere policy criticism; it is a grave imputation touching personal character and conduct.” Further, the BJP requested the EC to “direct immediate cessation of further dissemination of the impugned statement in campaign material and digital publicity” and to instruct media and social media platforms to take down such content. It also urged the poll body to “pass such further orders as may be necessary to preserve the dignity of the electoral process and ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and issue-based campaign.” “Such rhetoric lowers the level of campaign discourse, inflames passions, and undermines free and fair elections,” the letter stated. The party further claimed that “branding a political opponent in criminal-terror terminology before voters amounts to an attempt to distort voter choice through fear, demonisation, and false personal branding rather than lawful political persuasion.” The complaint comes hours after an intensyfied campaign in Tamil Nadu ended in on Tuesday evening. The EC has not yet issued a response to the BJP’s letter. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul rallies in Kolkata, Serampore cancelled as police denies nod
KOLKATA: Police have denied permission for Rahul Gandhi’s rallies in Kolkata and Serampore, scheduled on April 23, Bengal Congress secretary Roahan Mitra said Tuesday. Congress planned three rallies for Gandhi. For the Kolkata rallies, permission had been sought for Ramlila Park or Park Circus ground, and Metiabruz. A separate permission was sought for holding a rally at Serampore stadium. “Police have not given us permission for a single rally while others are allowed to hold rallies,” Mitra said, adding that the rallies planned for April 23 have been cancelled. Asked for a response, Bengal mantri Shashi Panja said, “Caretaker govt in the state cannot answer for the cancellation of his visit, EC can answer that.” Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Play documenting stories of oppression showcased in Bengaluru
The 33-minute Kannada documentary traces the many socio-political realities faced by Dalits in contemporary India. ‘Song of Ghetto’ (Keri Haadu), directed by Chandrashekara K and produced by city-based arts collective Jangama, won the Best Documentary Award at the P K Rosy Film Festival. The festival is organised as part of the Vaanam Art Festival, an annual initiative during Dalit History Month by acclaimed filmmaker Pa Ranjith’s Neelam Cultural Centre The 33-minute Kannada documentary traces the many socio-political realities faced by Dalits in contemporary India. The film focuses on the lives of a Dalit community in Dindagur of Hassan district — their resistance against untouchability and their fight to claim their fundamental right to enter their village temple The film shows how discrimination persists — from being denied access to temples and eateries to them being barred from drinking water from public tanks, and how caste segregation seeps in like DNA, with children from privileged castes refusing to mingle with their Dalit counterparts. Even as many believe education is a way out, caste continues to shadow their lives when they return to their hometowns. There is significant evidence to show that such practices are seen across the country and not limited to Dindagur. Chandrashekara shot the entire film on his mobile phone. During a workshop conducted by Jangama in the village, he began documenting people’s stories, eventually shaping 17 hours of footage into this documentary. He aims to document more such instances of caste-based oppression across villages. Pranati A S Courtesy : DH Note: This news is originally published on https:/deccanherald.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Dalit voters of Villupuram share support across parties over lack of development and emanicpation
Even cadres within the DMK raised opposition to Lakshmanan canvassing in GRP Street, alleging that he betrayed former MLA S Pushparaj by not facilitating him a seat in Vanur in this Assembly election. VILLUPURAM: With just a day to go for the election, the voter mood in Villupuram town is swaying in a three-cornered contest between the DMK, AIADMK and TVK. With the last leg of campaign rallies under way in the town, residents expressed dissent against the DMK government for not providing basic amenities in Dalit residential areas such as Valudareddy and GRP Street. Both areas, which have nearly 3,000 voters each, still lack proper drinking water facilities, roads and infrastructure. With dense populations and cramped housing, the localities almost sink during peak monsoon periods, but mitigation has not been carried out through proper infrastructure development. A Arumugam (55), a resident of Annai Indira Nagar, said, “We need to fetch water from a common pipe, so we go there as early as 4 am. This lifestyle, driven by lack of amenities, makes us wonder if we really live in the modern era.” Meanwhile, young supporters of TVK in both areas criticised the DMK and AIADMK for playing “cunning” politics over the years. They are also influencing their parents to vote for actor-turned-politician Vijay’s whistle symbol, seeking “a fresh political space devoid of caste equations”. “Both parties ruled us for so long, but I am still stigmatised for coming from a ‘colony’. My neighbourhood is not hygienic, decent or healthy. Whose fault is it, and why should we choose them again now? They claim social justice and equality, but in reality they do not live up to it. We don’t want to support such cunning politics,” said Kumudha (22, name changed), a resident of GRP Street and a member of TVK. Even cadres within the DMK raised opposition to Lakshmanan canvassing in GRP Street, alleging that he betrayed former MLA S Pushparaj by not facilitating him a seat in Vanur in this Assembly election. Several supporters of the latter pointed out that Dalit emancipation has not been enabled by either AIADMK or DMK leaders in Villupuram due to casteist intentions. In a video circulating on social media, a DMK supporter was heard saying, “Only he (Lakshmanan) wants to be minister and MLA. Why not a Scheduled Caste person come to power?” “Pushparaj, a Dalit politician, is a resident of Villupuram. If he becomes an MLA in Vanur, that would mean social empowerment of Dalits not only in Vanur but also in Villupuram town. This is essentially a problem for dominant caste politicians in Villupuram, and the town is entrenched in casteist politics that does not allow a Dalit person to rise within party structures, especially in the DMK,” said P K Diwakar (32). This is no different in the AIADMK. “I have been working in the party for the last 19 years, but former minister C Ve Shanmugam has not visited or even asked me about deaths in my family. Their Dalit aversion is so evident that I decided to quit politics altogether,” said a 56-year-old Dalit block-level cadre in the AIADMK from Villupuram (on condition of anonymity). Speaking to TNIE, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) district secretary R Periyar said the current DMK MLA had provided welfare measures to Valudareddy, including an anganwadi building, two fair price shops, a cremation shelter and borewell mechanisms that are yet to be made operational for public use. He added that though development for Dalit residents in the town is not adequate, it is important to consider the consequences of supporting the AIADMK, which would indirectly mean supporting the BJP. “VCK cadres will work for the victory of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance in Villupuram constituency,” he said. Though there is a broader sentiment favouring the DMK, such nuanced emotions among Dalit residents, whose votes could decide the outcome in Villupuram, cannot be overlooked. With youngsters leaning towards TVK, some elders shifting support to the AIADMK, and growing dissent against the DMK MLA, the contest is likely to be closely fought with narrow margins. Krithika Srinivasan Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Rahul Gandhi se chalne wala nahi hai’: Tej Pratap Yadav backs Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as INDIA bloc face
PATNA: Tej Pratap Yadav on Tuesday sparked a political debate by backing Priyanka Gandhi to lead the Congress, while expressing doubts over Rahul Gandhi’s ability to run the party. “Only Priyanka Gandhi can run it; she is like Indira Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi cannot run it, by going on a yatra, by sitting on a Bullet, it won’t make a difference” he said, dismissing Rahul Gandhi’s political outreach efforts and questioning their effectiveness. His remarks came in response to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of Nitish Kumar, whom he had called “compromised” after the JD(U) leader’s recent political moves. Following this, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary took over as Bihar chief minister. Questions over Rahul Gandhi’s leadership have surfaced earlier as well. Former Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed had recently alleged a lack of internal democracy within the party, claiming that senior leaders were being sidelined. Ahmed said Rahul Gandhi was uncomfortable working with seasoned leaders and alleged that decision-making in the party had become highly centralised, with his word being final. He also claimed that the youth wings were being promoted to replace the old guard in the party. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Odisha Reconstitutes State Transgender Welfare Board to Strengthen Inclusive Governance
In a significant move towards inclusive development, the Government of Odisha has reconstituted the State Transgender Welfare Board, aiming to enhance welfare initiatives and ensure better coordination for the transgender community across the state. New Structure to Improve Governance The earlier board, constituted on May 15, 2025, with a three-year term, has been dissolved within a year and replaced with a newly structured body. Under the revised framework, the Chief Secretary of Odisha will now serve as the Chairman, marking a shift towards stronger administrative leadership. The Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department has been appointed as Vice-Chairperson, while the Director of the department will act as the Member Secretary. Multi-Departmental Representation To ensure comprehensive policy implementation, the reconstituted board includes senior officials from key departments such as: Health and Family Welfare Women and Child Development Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Housing and Urban Development Skill Development and Technical Education Higher Education School and Mass Education Additionally, the Director General of Police and senior administrative officials are part of the board, reinforcing inter-departmental collaboration. Community Representation Ensured The board places strong emphasis on representation from the transgender community. Notable members include Dipti Mohapatra, the state’s first third-gender doctorate recipient, and Soumya Das, a prominent rights activist. Representatives from organizations such as the Transgender Suraksha Trust in Bhubaneswar and the Chetana Organization in Balugaon have also been included, ensuring grassroots-level participation. District-Level Participation To strengthen regional representation, District Collectors from Balangir, Angul, and Khordha will serve as members on a rotational basis. Focus on Welfare and Inclusion The reconstituted board is expected to improve implementation of schemes related to: Education and skill development Healthcare access Social security Livelihood opportunities This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to promoting dignity, equality, and empowerment for transgender persons through inclusive governance. By Ananya Pattnaik Courtesy : Pragativadi Note: This news is originally published on https:/pragativadi.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights