Karnataka Central Relief Committee pledges steps for empowerment of transgender community
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Bengaluru: In a landmark step towards inclusivity, the Central Relief Committee (CRC) of the Government of Karnataka held its first official meeting with representatives of the transgender community at the CRC office in Bengaluru. The meeting was chaired by Aga Sultan, the newly appointed Chairman of the Committee, and led by noted transgender rights activist Akkai Padmashali, Founder of Ondede.
The session aimed to promote equality, self-reliance, and social inclusion of transgender individuals while providing a platform to understand their concerns and aspirations. It was attended by Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Chandrappa B. Gokak, Joint Secretary, and several superintendents and officials from relief centres across the state.
Representatives from the transgender community, including Akkai Padmashali and other prominent activists, highlighted a range of key issues faced by the community. Their primary demands included the effective implementation of the Transgender Policy, 2017 Act, skill development and vocational training, employment opportunities, social inclusion, measures to prevent harassment, and provision of housing and shelter facilities.
Chairman Aga Sultan assured the participants that the CRC would convey their concerns to the state government and ensure regular dialogues with the community to address their issues on priority. He also urged the transgender community to join hands with the government’s initiatives aimed at building an inclusive and dignified society.
During the meeting, Aga Sultan requested Akkai Padmashali to encourage members of the community to refrain from begging at traffic signals and instead take part in the CRC’s “Bring Beauty Back to Bengaluru” campaign, which seeks to make the city begging-free through rehabilitation and livelihood programmes.
The meeting concluded with a focus on strategic measures to promote economic independence and social integration for transgender individuals. Officials described the session as a historic milestone in the CRC’s efforts to make Karnataka a more inclusive and equitable state.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
