Need for toilets for transgenders stressed - Mysuru

The first-ever toilet for transgenders was inaugurated here on Thursday by Pranathi Prakash, a transgender, at the city bus stand.

After inaugurating the toilet, Pranathi said there were toilets for men, women and the physically challenged in most public places. “Unfortunately we are neglected by the government and nowhere have such toilets been constructed so far,” she said.

Pranathi hoped at least now the government would set up exclusive toilets for transgenders and “treat them as human beings”.

Pankaja and Sarika, transgenders, urged the government to provide certain percentage of reservation in government jobs, financial assistance to set up small shops or self employment, and facilitate educational opportunities for them.

Pushpavathi Amaranath, president of the zilla panchayat who was present, said the transgenders had come to her about six months ago requesting to set up separate toilets for them. She pursued the matter with the Divisional Controller of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the Deputy Commissioner.

Ramamurthy, KSRTC Divisional Controller, said many Divisional Controllers of other KSRTC divisions had evinced interest in setting up such toilets. Separate toilets would be set up at the suburban bus stand soon, he said.

Nirmala, Inspector, Women Development Corporation, said the corporation had appealed to the government to set up similar toilets in all the districts in the State.



Source : The Hindu , 20th Nov 2015