BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th March 2024: Capacity Building Program was recently organized in Agartala, Tripura, with the support of the National Institute of Social Defence, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. In collaboration with the Tripura State AIDS Control Society, the workshop brought together various stakeholders, including doctors, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
The event featured insightful discussions on a range of topics crucial to the well-being and rights of transgender individuals. Notable among the resource persons was Raveena Bariha, who shed light on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 and Rules 2020. The comprehensive discussion covered key aspects such as prohibition against discrimination, right of residence, employment, education, healthcare, certification of identity for transgender persons, welfare measures by the government, offences and penalties, and the role of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCT).
Vidya Rajput, another prominent speaker, highlighted successful practices from different states, citing the Chhattisgarh government’s recruitment of 13 transgender individuals as constables and 9 as Bastar fighters. She also touched upon the reservation policies in various government jobs and elucidated the importance of advocacy and providing linkages to transgender persons with different government schemes.
Papi Debnath, a transman activist, provided crucial insights into the challenges faced by Transmen in society, emphasizing the impact of limited exposure among the mainstream community on their socio-economic, educational, and social aspects.
Govind Sandekar addressed the issue of HIV/AIDS, covering symptoms, diagnosis, causes, treatment, and prevention. The program also featured contributions from Sidharth Gope, Sneha Ji, and Krish Ji, who shared information about the social, economic, and educational challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Tripura, along with efforts needed for their upliftment. Swabhiman, a community-based organization actively working for LGBTQ+ rights in Tripura, was recognized for its valuable contributions. They provided key information about the challenges faced by the community, offering valuable insights for future interventions.
Dr. Ishita Guha, District Family Welfare Officer, West District, and Dr. Arpita Debnath, Nodal Officer at IGM Hospital, were acknowledged for their participation and understanding of the problems faced by transgender individuals. Both were classmates of Papi Debnath before his transition to a transman. They emphasized the importance of organizing such programs in the future to enhance mainstream awareness and understanding of transgender issues.
The organizers extended special thanks to Mausami Debnath Deputy Director (Prevention) of Tripura AIDS Control Society for her efforts and coordination, which contributed to the smooth execution of the program in the state. The two-day event concluded with a sense of accomplishment, having laid the groundwork for continued efforts towards the empowerment and upliftment of the transgender community in Tripura.
