Housing scheme proposed for trans community

Pune: To give trans persons a better chance of making a home for themselves, the state government’s Social Welfare Department has proposed an affordable housing scheme for the community, a senior official said.

Under the proposed scheme, around 150 flats of 450 sq. feet each will be offered in a dedicated housing complex in Nagpur city for the trans community. If approved, this will be the first dedicated housing scheme for the community in the state.

“The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has ready flats, which it has agreed to sell to us. NIT’s proposal has been sent to the state government for approval. Once we receive the finance department’s nod, we will purchase the flats and make them available to the trans community for purchase. Beneficiaries will have to pay only 10% of the flat price and the balance will be paid through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and state government funds. If needed, bank loans will be made available to pay the 10% share,” said Dr Prashant Narnaware, Commissioner, Social Welfare.

Those seeking flats under the proposed scheme will need to possess an identity card and certificate issued by the government which recognizes them as trans, Narnaware said.

Responding to criticism that the scheme might “segregate” the community instead of bringing it into the mainstream, Narnaware said the ultimate goal would always be to assimilate community members. “However,” he added, “The issue they are facing is that nobody is ready to give them a house even if they have the money to buy or rent it.” (PTI)