Eunuchs threaten to gherao Odisha assembly

Eunuchs in Odisha have threatened to gherao the Assembly during the ongoing budget session if their demands are not fulfilled.

Eunuchs all across the state have come forward with a charter of eight demands and have threatened to gherao the Assembly and the residence of Chief Minister if they are not fulfilled during the ongoing session.

Prominent among the demands are a separate commission for them in line with State Commission for Women, allotment of BPL cards and housing under Indira Awas Yojna.

There are over 15,000 eunuchs and transgenders in the state, claimed Odisha Eunuch Association which is leading the campaign for their rights. The Odisha Government unlike other state governments, has done nothing to improve the lot of eunuchs n the state, said President of the Association Pratap Sahu.

As a result, many have begun to migrate to other states for better life, said Meera, an activist. Social ostracism has left them battered, forcing them to resort to begging in trains where they are often accused of misbehaving with the passengers.

Conditions are different in states like Tamilnadu, where a Transgender Welfare Board has been formed for them. A similar board is on the cards in Maharahtra too.

"We strongly demand a similar board here and also old-age pension for aged eunuchs' said Sanjay Ram, Executive Director of NGO Koshish.