Santa Khurai, who has been appointed as the coordinator of the cell for a period of six months, exuded confidence that the cell will help in addressing the problems faced by the community to some extent.
TFM Report
In what could be music to ears for the transgender community, particularly for the trans-women, a grievance redressal cell has been inaugurated at the Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW), Imphal West DC complex, Lamphel on Friday.
MSCW chairperson Prof Meinam Binota exuded confidence that with the opening of the cell, the problems faced by the “unique group of people” might be addressed to some extent. She urged the people in the community to obtain an identity card from the concerned DCs, without which the facilities of the cell could not be obtained.
She also maintained that this may be the first time not only in India, but perhaps also in the whole Asia that a transgender women grievance redressal cell has been opened. It is just the beginning for transgender community, especially for the registered “Nupi manbi” (transwomen) to provide a platform to address their problems, issues and challenges faced by them in the society, she added.
Binota stated that the cell was opened as a trial project in order to give proper recommendation and to deliver justice and for protecting their rights in the long run.
She urged the community to apply for transgender Identity card from the government to get the benefits under the Transgender Protection Act, 2019 which was introduced by Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment, Government Of India.
The opening of the cell will mark the initial step for bringing gender equality so that every diverse group of people could exercise and enjoy equal rights and opportunities with full responsibilities in the society, Binota said.
Santa Khurai, who has been appointed as the coordinator of the cell for a period of six months, maintained that grievance redressal cell will act as a kind of single window for transgender community. “We will be having support from the government and others concerned,” she maintained
“This is a very good step which has been taken up by the chairperson of MSWC. And also it is a ray of hope for the community to shine like other genders.
“There were so many cases which affect mental as well as physical health. At that time, the community had filed many cases against those who harassed them without getting any justice. But with this cell the community will get justice on time,” she added.
Department of Social Welfare director Ng Uttam who attended the inaugural function assured assistance from the department in its capacity. He also interacted with Santa and her associates who put up some of the problems the community was facing.