LAHORE: As many as 1,600 transpersons will be imparted training in different skills in the first phase under the Technical Skills Training and Punjab Skills Development Fund programmes launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

According to a handout, the CM has launched these initiatives to ensure a dignified and respectable living for transpersons.

The handout says that on the CM’s direction, a comprehensive technical skills training programme has been launched for the transgender community, which will enable transpersons to earn a dignified livelihood instead of seeking alms. It says transpersons will be made economically independent and empowered by imparting IT and freelancing training.

For the first time, healthcare assistant skills training will be organised for transpersons, besides tailoring and fashion designing courses. They will also be trained in electrical work, solar technology, beauty services and culinary arts.

The handout quoted the CM as saying, “Ruthless and callous attitude being meted out to the transgender community is highly regrettable. Transgenders are forced to beg due to social boycott and lack of proper employment opportunities. Transgenders will be taught skills to prove that talent is above any gender.”