KOCHI: G-taxi,a service run by transgenders, which was to be launched this month has hit a road block. The project, which was planned as an initiative to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for the third gender, is being delayed due to lack of policies and funding.
“The project G-taxi has presently come to a standstill. Many transgenders are afraid that they will fall into debt if they buy these vehicles, something similar happened with project She-taxi, also 13% of the profit earned will go to a private firm. Most nationalised banks are reluctant to grant loans since we lack sufficient collateral. Without government aid this project will not take off,” says Anil Arjun, state co-ordinater of Sangama, an NGO for the LGBT. He feels that without government funding the project will be a failure.
“The main issue which we are facing is the absence of any procedure in Kerala to grant license to the third gender, it is either male or female and without this we cannot proceed with training procedures. The government has to amend the existing laws to make this project possible”, says Gender Park CEO Dr P T Sunish.
In 2015 Kerala became the first state to bring a transgender policy. It has made many more amendments which ensure constitutional rights for transgenders such as bringing about scholarship programme’s and amending laws, the G-Taxi was a part of this initiative. Though in Bengeluru the third gender is being issued license, nothing has been done for them in the state.
Dr Sunish added, “The project is being funded by government. Loans are available on a subsidised rate.” Lack of employment opportunities force the third gender to resort to begging and prostitution. Initiatives like G-Taxi will provide them employment and change the prejudiced attitude towards them.
Some transgenders are afraid to come forward as they fear societal stigma, says Navaz, a transgender activist and co-ordinate at Marvell, an association for the third gender in Ernakulam.