As the transgender community is gradually being mainstreamed, in yet another initiative to find their feet socially and economically, the state's first all-transgender-run canteen started functioning in Palakkad on Friday.
The canteen would be run by a 10-member transgender group supported by Kudumbasree mission, Social Welfare department and the District Panchayat. The authorities had provided training to the group to prepare and serve hygienic traditional vegetarian food.
The canteen would function from 0930 hrs to 1700 hrs under two shifts and serve food to the public. The district panchayat has allotted Rs 10 lakh to the 'Ayalkootam' (neighbourhood) group of Kudumbasree with the ten transgenders from Palakkad district as its members, for their welfare and to encourage transgenders to come forward to business sector.
District Panchayat President Santhakumari said the local body government is also planning to open a shelter home for the transgenders and for this purpose, the panchayat has set aside Rs 10 lakh for the welfare of the third gender community.
