Now that came as a complete surprise to me. Really! It was totally unexpected from Tamil Nadu which is considered as really conservative.
Some sample excerpts .....
“I am Thrilled To know that Transgenders existence has been acknowledged by the letter T by theGovernment of Tamil Nadu, by issuing ration cards, which is the prime identity card for people of India. Thanks to the social welfare minister Dr. Poongothai Aladi Aruna, who is a gynaecologist.
The People Development Initiative (PDI), an NGO is also happy.Earlier, on December 21, 2006, another path breaking initiative was taken.The Tamil Nadu government had issued an order offering free sex reconstruction surgery (SRS) for the transgendered after counseling.
The step by Tamil Nadu’s civil supplies department marks the first time that authorities anywhere in India have recognised the group. In Tamil Nadu alone, where transsexuals like Pooja have begun getting ration cards on Thursday, the move will lead to an estimated 40,000 members of the community nowidentifying themselves as members of a third gender.”