Bhubaneswar, Apr 21: The Odisha government has announced the reconstitution of the State Transgender Welfare Board, a significant step towards strengthening welfare initiatives and ensuring inclusive governance for the transgender community.

According to the notification, the Chief Secretary will serve as the Chairperson of the board, while the Secretary of the Department of Social Empowerment and Persons with Disabilities will act as Vice-Chairperson. The Director of the department has been appointed as Member Secretary. Other members include the Director General of Police, the Additional Secretary of the department, and senior representatives from various government departments such as Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Housing and Urban Development, Skill Development and Technical Education, Higher Education, and School and Mass Education.

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In a progressive move, the board also includes community representatives. Notably, Dr. Dipti Mahapatra, the first transgender in Odisha to earn a doctorate, and transgender rights activist Soumya Das have been appointed as members. Additionally, representatives from Bhubaneswar-based Transgender Suraksha Trust and Balugaon’s Chetana organization will serve on the board. District Collectors from Balangir, Angul, and Khordha will also be included as members on a rotational basis.

This reconstitution comes just a year after the earlier board was formed on May 15, 2025, with a three-year tenure under the chairmanship of the departmental minister. The decision to reorganize the board within a year highlights the government’s intent to strengthen its structure and broaden representation.

Officials stated that the new board will focus on implementing welfare schemes, addressing social challenges, and ensuring better coordination among departments to support the transgender community. The inclusion of activists and NGOs is expected to provide grassroots perspectives and help design more effective policies.

By reconstituting the State Transgender Welfare Board, Odisha has reaffirmed its commitment to social empowerment, equality, and inclusive development, ensuring that the voices of the transgender community are represented at the highest levels of governance.