District Transgender Protection Cell convenes second meeting, district leads state in issuing identity cards

Ludhiana, May 6, 2026: The Transgender Protection Cell of Ludhiana successfully conducted its second formal meeting at Bachat Bhawan to review the progress of welfare initiatives and strengthen the framework for transgender community support. 
The meeting was chaired by Assistant Commissioner Payal Goyal and attended by key committee members, including the District Program Officer (DPO) Gurmeet Singh, District Social Security Officer (DSSO) Varinder Singh Tiwana, Assistant Civil Surgeon Dr. Vivek Kataria, Mohini Mahant, Project Manager of the Ganga Social FFoundation Reena Kalyan and Sub-Inspector Manjeet Kaur and others were also present along with various other stakeholders to discuss the roadmap for social inclusion.
During the proceedings, it was highlighted that Ludhiana has achieved a significant milestone by issuing 105 identity cards to transgender individuals, the highest number recorded in any district of Punjab. 
Assistant Commissioner Payal Goyal commended this progress and stressed that these cards are essential for ensuring that the transgender community can seamlessly access government benefits and healthcare services. To further support economic independence, the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) at South City, Ayali Khurd, Ludhiana, announced its readiness to provide free skill training and accommodation. Transgender candidates can now enroll in specialized courses such as Computer Education, Beauty Parlour management, and Tailoring to enhance their employability in the ongoing batches of 30-35 individual capacity. Garima Greh under the SMILE Scheme (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) was also discussed where around 25 transgenders are residing. Dr. Vivek Kataria discussed that a separate ward have been established at the Civil Hospital for individuals from transgender community and a nodal officer has been appointed for the same. Separate washrooms for the transgender individuals have also been established. 
A major portion of the discussion focused on structural administrative changes and social challenges. The AC(G) instructed all government departments to appoint dedicated Nodal Officers by the end of this week and report to the DSSO, to address the specific needs of transgender persons and directed that their official work be prioritized across all offices. The committee also addressed the sensitive issue of begging at traffic lights, deciding to activate a specialized subcommittee to look after this matter. The goal is to move beyond temporary measures and focus on sustainable rehabilitation through awareness and livelihood support.
In her closing remarks, Payal Goyal emphasized that the primary objective of the cell is the total removal of social barriers. She noted that while documentation and training are vital, spreading widespread awareness among the general public is the only way to ensure a life of dignity for the transgender community. 
All departments were urged to work with empathy and speed to ensure that transgender individuals are fully integrated into the social fabric of Ludhiana.