THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The

has decided to foot the bill of

surgery of those belonging to the transgender community. An amount of Rs 2 lakh will be reimbursed as hospital expenses for each transgender person undergoing sex change. Those who have already undergone surgery can also apply for assistance.

Announcing the decision on his official Facebook page, chief minister

said financial constraints won’t be a hurdle for any transgender who wishes to live as man or woman. “The government which has ensured the rights of education and employment of transgender community will now bear the cost of sex change surgery too”, Vijayan said.

was the first state to announce a transgender policy in 2015. It’s higher education department issued an order to ensure two seats for TG community members for graduate course in government and aided colleges. Literacy mission is training TG community members to help pass equivalency examination.Social justice department recently launched a self-employment scheme for

, while Kochi Metro has also employed TG community members in various roles.