In a bid to bring the transgender community into the forefront of society, the Left government in Kerala has announced a number of schems, including extension of scholarship for third gender students and financial aid for legally married transcouples.

Announcing the initiatives here on Tuesday, Minister for Social Justice K K Shylaja said the Social Justice Department has sanctioned Rs 6.00 lakh for the scholarship of the marginalised group students in the current financial year.

The scholarship scheme is targeted at the transgender students, studying from 7 standard to colleges in the government, aided and self-financing educational institutions. ''It is part of the drive to bring the marginalised and generally isolated transgender community into the mainstream of society,'' the minister said in a statement.

Under the scheme, Rs 1000 per month would be provided to each third gender student studying in Class 7 to Class 10 for a period of 10 months. The scholarship would be Rs 1,500 per month for transgender students studying in higher secondary and Rs 2,000 per month for those pursuing diploma, degree, professional and post-graduate courses for 10 months, the minister explained.

The Department also decided to extend Rs 30,000 financial aid for transgender couples who enter into wedlock legally, in the current financial year also. ''A total of Rs 3 lakh has been sanctioned for the same.

Through this, Rs 30,000 each can be given to 10 transgender couples,'' she said, adding that the scheme was aimed at helping trans people build up a social life through marriages. Applications for the grant can be submitted six months after the marriage and up to one year, the minister added.

ISL 7: Kibu Vicuna satisfied with Kerala Blasters' first victory

LDF seizes power in Thodupuzha Municipality

Flex board in Kerala reads, 'Rahul can save Country and Congress'