Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. has directed officials and police to take measures to prevent transgender persons from gathering along national highways during late hours, following complaints of alleged harassment of motorists.
The direction was issued during a district-level coordination and monitoring committee meeting for sexual minorities held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on October 10. The DC instructed officials to begin by creating awareness and advising people against standing on highways at night. He said strict legal action should follow if the reported problem continued.
DC calls for awareness and enforcement
During the meeting, Darshan H.V. said authorities had received several complaints about transgender persons allegedly standing along national highways at night and harassing motorists.
He directed the concerned officials to address the issue through awareness programmes and counselling in the first instance. Police were asked to take appropriate legal action if the situation persisted.
The directions were issued as part of the district administration’s efforts to address complaints while coordinating with departments and representatives of the transgender community.
The meeting also discussed concerns raised by community representatives about individuals arriving from neighbouring states and allegedly engaging in unlawful activities in Mangaluru. They urged the authorities to take appropriate action against those involved in illegal conduct.
The complaints and allegations are to be dealt with on the basis of evidence and applicable law, rather than assumptions about members of the transgender community as a whole.
Housing support for homeless transgender persons
The meeting also reviewed welfare measures for transgender persons, including housing assistance and opportunities for economic independence.
Officials informed the committee that a list of 15 homeless transgender persons had been submitted to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to facilitate the allotment of residential sites.
The initiative is intended to help eligible beneficiaries access housing support and improve their living conditions. Access to secure housing is an important component of rehabilitation and social welfare programmes for vulnerable groups.
The administration also discussed measures to support self-employment among transgender persons through the Women Development Corporation. Financial incentives are being considered as part of efforts to help eligible individuals pursue livelihood opportunities.
These initiatives formed part of the broader discussion on the welfare and rehabilitation of sexual minorities in Dakshina Kannada.
96 transgender persons registered in Dakshina Kannada
Officials said a recent survey had recorded 96 registered transgender persons in Dakshina Kannada district.
Eligible individuals have been given the opportunity to apply for rehabilitation benefits and government welfare schemes through the Seva Sindhu portal, according to information presented at the meeting.
The committee reviewed the need for coordination among government departments to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are informed about available schemes and can access the assistance intended for them.
Representatives of transgender organisations also participated in the meeting, providing an opportunity to raise community concerns and discuss the measures required from the administration.
Officials and community representatives attend meeting
The meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narwade Vinayak Karbari, Shridhar, Deputy Director of the Women and Child Development Department, representatives of transgender organisations and officials from various departments.
The discussions covered public complaints, police intervention, housing assistance, self-employment opportunities and access to government welfare programmes.
The district administration’s directions combine enforcement measures relating to the reported highway gatherings with initiatives intended to support eligible transgender persons through housing and livelihood assistance.
Further action on the complaints will depend on the police inquiry and the implementation of the directions issued during the meeting.