Manipur leads by an example, sets up dedicated quarantine centres for transgender community

While the fight against Corona has several challenges, it also has manifold repercussions and the Manipur Government is leading the way by setting up dedicated quarantine centres for transgender persons who are travelling to Manipur amidst lockdown. The aim to open a separate quarantine centre by the state government for the transgender community is to create feasible housing systems for the third gender and also to ensure their emotional security during the current crisis.

Manipur’s chief minister, N Biren Singh shared details and location in his tweet about the centres, “Transgender Quarantine Center opened at Government Ideal Blind School, Takyelpat is now ready to receive stranded transgenders coming from other states.”

The quarantine centres have further been streamlined by sending the person to a particular centre understanding from which zone has the person returned. The facility at the Takyelpat in Imphal West can accommodate at least 24 inmates and is meant for those transgender persons who are coming from cities under green zone category. The other centre at Koireingei in Imphal East is for those coming back from red zone areas, said a statement issued by the directorate of social welfare.

As per the statement, at least 40 transgender persons who are stuck across the country are expected to return to their home amidst the lockdown. They can also be isolated at the community quarantine facility managed by local authorities in a separate block to ensure their privacy and emotional security. 

Not just that, the state government has also appointed deputy director for child programme K Saroja Devi as the nodal officer to monitor the smooth functioning of the quarantine centres for the third gender. Earlier, a local club constructed separate room and toilet facilities for transgender returnees at the community quarantine cent