Jammu Kashmir Has 4,137 People in ‘Others’ Gender Category: Centre | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has 4,137 persons recorded under the ‘others’ gender category, according to the 2011 Census, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday while outlining measures for the social and economic upliftment of the transgender community across the country.

Responding to an unstarred question by MP Rajesh Ranjan, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment BL Verma said the 2011 Census recorded a total population of about 4.87 lakh persons in the ‘others’ category nationwide.

The minister clarified that the ‘others’ category does not exclusively represent transgender persons but includes individuals who chose to record their gender under that category.

According to the state-wise data placed before the Lok Sabha, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number at 1,37,465, followed by Maharashtra with 40,891, Bihar with 40,827, West Bengal with 30,349, and Madhya Pradesh with 29,597.

The government said it is implementing the SMILE Scheme, which includes a sub-component for the comprehensive rehabilitation and welfare of transgender persons.

Under the scheme, several measures have been taken for social and economic empowerment of the community, including skill development, livelihood support, medical facilities and safe shelters known as Garima Grehs. The government has established 23 Garima Grehs across 17 States and Union Territories to provide shelter and rehabilitation for destitute transgender persons.

The ministry has also launched a National Portal for Transgender Persons, which allows applicants to obtain transgender certificates and identity cards through an online process. According to the government, 32,266 certificates have been issued so far through the portal.

To improve access to healthcare, the ministry has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Health Authority to extend coverage to transgender persons under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. As of February 15, 2026, 147 Ayushman Bharat PMJAY cards had been issued to transgender persons.

The government further informed that 20 Transgender Protection Cells have been established by States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, while 27 States and UTs have set up Transgender Welfare Boards to address issues related to the community.

In addition, the ministry said 725 transgender persons have received skill development training, while 125 individuals have been trained under entrepreneurship development programmes conducted through the National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development.

The ministry also conducts awareness and sensitisation programmes through the National Institute of Social Defence to support the inclusion and welfare of transgender persons.