THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister KK Shailaja has said that action will be taken against those responsible for the attack against transgender Sajana Shaji, who sells rice and biryani on the Kakkanad-Tripunithura bypass for livelihood.
Sajana lamented on social media that the vendors nearby had made sexist remarks against her and when she lodged a complaint with the police, they didn’t take it seriously. The minister said in a Facebook post that she had called Sajana after coming to know about the incident and assured her of the necessary help and protection.
Health Minister's post:
The news of anti-social elements’ attack on Sajana, a transgender who makes a living selling biryani by the roadside, came to my notice. I had called up Sajana and assured her of all necessary assistance and protection. Police will ensure security for her and they have been asked to take action against the attackers.
As part of the Kerala Social Security Mission under the Department of Social Justice, immediate financial assistance will be given to Sajana through the V Care scheme. Transgender are also citizens like others. No one will be allowed to insult them.
Since this government came to power, a number of schemes have been launched, including the issuance of ID cards to transgenders and the formation of a Transgender Council. With the formation of the Mazhavillu Rainbow scheme, a number of schemes are being implemented, including the Skill Development Scheme, self-employment loan facilities, equal education and higher education.

In Kerala, such atrocities will never be tolerated as the transgender community has started earning respect and recognition in the family and community. Kerala was the first state in India to have a transgender policy to bring transgender people into the mainstream of society.
As part of this policy, the Social Justice Department of the State Government is formulating various welfare schemes for transgenders. An extensive action plan has been prepared to coordinate these.
The government will simultaneously take action against the culprits and provide opportunity for Sajana to live with dignity. The government has intervened in the matter through Social Justice Department Secretary Biju Prabhakar, Director Sheeba George and Social Security Mission Director Dr. Mohammad Ashil.