Odisha Establishes State Transgender Welfare Board for Inclusive Development
In a significant move towards inclusivity and social justice, the Odisha government has established the State Transgender Welfare Board to oversee the welfare, rehabilitation, and rights of transgender individuals in the state.

The announcement was made through a notification issued by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) on Thursday. The board has been constituted in alignment with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which mandates the creation of such bodies at the state level.

According to officials, the state is home to an estimated 30,000 transgender persons. The board will serve as a dedicated platform to address the challenges faced by the community, facilitate access to government schemes, and ensure their inclusion in mainstream society.

The newly formed board is expected to work on policy formulation, welfare programs, skill development, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities tailored to the specific needs of transgender individuals. It will also act as an advisory and grievance redressal body.

Activists and members of the transgender community have welcomed the move, calling it a progressive step toward ensuring dignity and equal rights for all. Many have expressed hope that the board will translate into real, on-ground changes in their socio-economic conditions.

With this initiative, Odisha joins a growing list of Indian states taking structured steps to empower the transgender community and uphold their constitutional rights.