Chennai: An awareness camp on the increasing concern of the third gender resorting to begging at railway stations and inside trains, was organised at the Egmore Railway Station by the Railway Police Force, recently.
The event that was held in collaboration with NGO Drishti, was presided over by Mohan, an Inspector of the RPF.
Speaking to News Today, Mohan said, “The most common problem faced by train travellers, is the inconvenience faced due to the begging of those belonging to the third gender.”
He further added, “We organised this camp so as to educate the community about the facilities and assistance schemes that the government has introduced for its welfare and how it should utilise the same to lead a fulfilling life.”
According to Devasahayam, a transgender, who was a part of the organising committee, “More than 50 of our members have taken part in this awareness session. It has proved to be useful to us and it is an eye-opener.” He further added that people like him can be best educated only by such initiatives.
Commuters welcomed the move. Sundaram, who is a regular at Egmore Railway Station, said, “Most of the commuters feel uncomfortable due to certain activities of the third gender.” He stated that the welfare schemes that the government has set apart for them, will go a long way towards their betterment.