KANNUR: Tourism and Co-operation Minister Kadakampally Surendran has said on Sunday that the government is planning to set up cooperative societies for transgenders.

Talking at the eighth Cooperative Congress, he announced that financial aid for this including grants will be provided through cooperative societies.

“This I s the first time in India that cooperative societies are being set up for transgenders. Though this we can make them find self-employment and make them self-sufficient. It will be in districts that will make available members as per cooperative norms will have the first set of cooperative societies,” he said.

Surendran also said that all gold stored at the cooperative banks in the state would be examined by respective bank’s special squads. The squad will comprise of members of the bank administration, chief executive, and representatives of the employees.

“I’ve instructed them to complete this inspection within one month and submit an affidavit on the same. Besides this, there will also be an inspection by the cooperative department,” he said.

The minster also said that cooperative societies will be started in all professional colleges across the state, and will make sure the participation of 51 per cent young women in them. He added that this is because women presence is comparatively low in cooperative societies.