Real Voice Foundation Raises Strong Voice for Transgender Rights; Memorandum Submitted to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis

Housing, Employment, Education, Reservation, Social Security and Effective Implementation of Transgender Policy 2024 Among Key Demands
Mumbai, August 25, 2026: In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening the rights and welfare of the transgender community in Maharashtra, Real Voice Foundation has raised several critical issues concerning housing, employment, education, reservation, healthcare, social security and economic empowerment.
A detailed memorandum highlighting these concerns was submitted/dispatched today at the Ministry to the office of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The representation was led by S. M. Fanus, President, Real Voice Foundation, and Mehndi Ali, Secretary, Real Voice Foundation, who have called for urgent and concrete government intervention to ensure that transgender citizens receive equal rights, equal opportunities and the right to live with dignity.
Policy Implementation Must Reach the Ground
The Foundation welcomed the Maharashtra Government’s Transgender Policy 2024, but emphasised that merely announcing a policy is not sufficient.
According to the representation, every provision of the policy should have a clearly identified responsible department, implementation timeline, financial allocation and accountability mechanism. Regular progress reports should also be made available to ensure transparency.
Housing and Employment Remain Major Challenges
Real Voice Foundation has demanded a dedicated and affordable housing scheme for transgender persons and their effective inclusion in various government housing programmes.
The Foundation has also called for a concrete decision regarding reservation or a special quota for transgender persons in education and government employment, along with special employment drives, skill-development programmes, self-employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, loans and financial assistance.
Strengthening the Transgender Welfare Board
The memorandum also calls for strengthening the Transgender Welfare Board by providing adequate funds, administrative manpower, office facilities, clear rules and an effective operational mechanism.
The Foundation has further demanded appropriate honorarium, financial assistance and administrative facilities for members of the Board so that they can effectively discharge their responsibilities.
District-Level Support and Grievance Redressal
Real Voice Foundation has demanded the appointment of dedicated district-level nodal officers or coordination mechanisms to address the problems of transgender citizens.
A dedicated grievance-redressal mechanism and helpline has also been sought for complaints relating to discrimination, harassment, violence, denial of housing, employment discrimination and difficulties in accessing government services.
Focus on Healthcare, Social Security and Skill Development
The representation calls for respectful and non-discriminatory healthcare facilities for transgender persons in government hospitals, along with necessary medical and mental-health support.
The Foundation has also sought effective access to pensions, financial assistance, insurance, food security and other social-security programmes for economically vulnerable transgender persons.
Special skill-development centres have also been proposed in areas such as computers, digital services, electrical work, CCTV, technology, beauty and wellness, business management and other employment-oriented sectors.
“The Community Needs Rights, Not Sympathy”
Real Voice Foundation has firmly stated that transgender persons should not be viewed merely through the lens of charity or sympathy.
They are equal citizens and must receive constitutional equality, social justice, equal opportunities, safety and dignity.
S. M. Fanus, President, Real Voice Foundation, and Mehndi Ali, Secretary, Real Voice Foundation, have appealed to the Maharashtra Government to take the memorandum seriously and arrange a dedicated meeting with representatives of the transgender community and social organisations to discuss their concerns and take concrete decisions.
Real Voice Foundation’s Commitment
The Foundation has reiterated that bringing the transgender community into the mainstream requires more than announcements. It requires transparent, adequately funded, accountable and time-bound implementation of policies and welfare measures.
The organisation has called for coordinated action by the concerned departments so that the benefits of government policies reach transgender citizens at the grassroots level.
“The transgender community does not seek charity — it seeks equal rights, equal opportunities and the right to live with dignity.”
S. M. Fanus
President, Real Voice Foundation
Mehndi Ali
Secretary, Real Voice Foundation
Mumbai | Maharashtra