Karnataka Survey Identifies 10,365 Transgenders; Welfare Measures Planned

• A 2025-26 baseline survey in Karnataka identified 10,365 transgender persons across 31 districts.
• The survey, conducted by the Department of Women and Child Development and Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation, aims to understand the status of gender minorities.
• Of the total, 10,250 transgender persons are above 18 years and 115 are below 18 years.
• Vijayapura (1,428), Chikkaballapur (1,252), Bengaluru Urban (757), Kolar (638), and Belagavi (618) are the top five districts with the highest numbers.
• Recommendations include priority admissions in hostels, scholarships, competitive exam coaching, healthcare access, skill training, and establishing a Gender Minority Welfare Board.

Why It Matters: Karnataka's survey identifies over 10,000 transgenders, paving the way for targeted welfare and rehabilitation.