Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government has enhanced the allowance given to transgenders for sex-change surgeries and set aside Rs 50 lakh for the purpose.
Health Minister KK Shailaja on Monday said hitherto the amount was Rs 2 lakh for each beneficiary.
"For those who want to undergo surgery to become males, a maximum of Rs 2 lakh was given" said the Minister
The minister clarified that this amount has now been increased to Rs 5 lakh due to mounting expenses involved.
"Likewise, those who want to undergo corrective surgery to become females, the amount has been fixed at Rs 2.50 lakh," The Minister further added.
Kerala was the first state to formulate a transgender policy. It has come up with special schemes for transgenders in social welfare and education fields.
(With inputs from IANS)