The Government of Odisha has taken a significant step toward strengthening inclusive governance by reconstituting the State Transgender Welfare Board, aiming to enhance welfare initiatives and ensure better coordination for the transgender community across the state. The board, which was originally constituted in May 2025 for a three year term, has been dissolved within a year and restructured under a revised and more comprehensive framework.

Under the newly formed structure, the Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, will serve as the chairperson of the board. The Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department has been appointed as the vice chairperson, while the Director of the department will take on the role of Member Secretary. This leadership restructuring reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring stronger policy implementation and administrative efficiency.

The reconstituted board includes senior officials from multiple key departments such as Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Housing and Urban Development, Skill Development and Technical Education, Higher Education, and School and Mass Education. The inclusion of the Director General of Police along with other senior administrative officials further strengthens the board’s ability to implement cross departmental initiatives effectively.

Ensuring representation from the transgender community remains a central focus of the board. Notable members include Dipti Mohapatra, recognized as the state’s first third gender doctorate recipient, and prominent rights activist Soumya Das. Their inclusion highlights the government’s emphasis on community participation in policy making and welfare planning.

In addition to individual representatives, organizations working at the grassroots level have also been included. These include the Transgender Suraksha Trust based in Bhubaneswar and the Chetana Organization located in Balugaon. Their involvement is expected to bring real world insights and ensure that welfare schemes reach the intended beneficiaries effectively.

To enhance administrative inclusivity at the district level, District Collectors from Balangir, Angul, and Khurda will serve as members on a rotational basis. This rotational system is designed to bring diverse district level perspectives into the decision making process.

The reconstituted State Transgender Welfare Board will primarily focus on implementing and strengthening schemes related to education, skill development, healthcare access, social security, and livelihood opportunities for the transgender community. With a broader representation and stronger administrative backing, the Odisha government aims to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem that addresses the needs and challenges faced by transgender individuals across the state.

This move underscores Odisha’s continued efforts to promote equality, dignity, and social inclusion, setting a progressive example in governance and community welfare.