Kolkata, March 18 (IANS): The West Bengal cabinet on Wednesday approved the formation of a Transgender Development Board, a minister announced.
"The state cabinet has approved the formation of Transgender Development Board in the state. Once it comes into force, a census will also be conducted," Women and Child Welfare Minister Shashi Panja said.
Panja said the 12-member board will have representatives from the community and will work for the welfare of transgenders who have been deprived of education and employment opportunities.
He said the board was meant for development and not welfare.
"This will be the first board in the country which is formed for development and not welfare, which are formed for charity," she said.
Tamil Nadu had constituted such a board in 2008, thus becoming the first state to do so. Maharashtra followed suit in August 2014.