The Executive Cabinet of the State of Jharkhand has recently approved a proposal to recognise the transgenders of the state as 'third gender' and include them in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) Category.

The plan also approved a monthly security pension of Rs 1,000 for transgenders.

"Transgenders who belong to unreserved categories will now be included in the OBC category. However, it is not for the transgenders who already belong to communities from the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled tribes, OBC, and other backward communities", remarked the Cabinet Secretary at the Minister's meeting.

The 11-member Ministerial Council also approved a proposal of the Home Department to increase the service tenure of contractual assistant police personnel to seven years from six years. The contract tenure of the assistant police personnel across 12 districts which has expired recently shall be extended for another year.

The cabinet however made some changes to the screening committee which shortlists police personnel for gallantry awards given away by the government during Statehood Day celebrations each year. The committee which was so far being headed by a Chief Secretary will now be administered by a Home Secretary.

As a part of the sequel of decisions taken, the Cabinet nodded to a proposal to hike the financial assistance providers to members of police, para-military forces, and government employees in cases of injuries leading to permanent disabilities. Disability compensation varies according to the cause that resulted in it.

The Cabinet also approved a proposal to set up two additional Juvenile justice boards, one in Ranchi and East Singhbhum district, each to dispose of the pending cases. The grants to the state colleges were also revised.

The Cabinet also approved two projects of rural drinking water supply in and around the mining areas of the State. These projects range it's cost in crores.

The Cabinet also agreed to carry out amendments to the recruitment and service regulations of several government departments.

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Reference:

• m.timesofindia.com