Kerala's first canteen by transgenders started at Palakkad
The first ever transgender canteen in the state was opened at Palakkad district of Kerala jointly by Kudumbashree, Palakkad District Administration and Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. This project was included in the annual action plan of Palakkad District Panchayat (year 2018-19). This unique initiative started functioning in the premises of the Civil Station, Palakkad.
Kudumbashree, as a part of its ‘special NHG’ project, has two transgender Neighbourhood groups in Palakkad district. The canteen at Palakkad Civil Station would be run by one of them, viz. the ‘Oruma’ Transgender Neighbourhood group. The 10 members of the group were given skill training for running this canteen. The space for the canteen was provided by the district administration. The project was included in the annual plan of Palakkad District Panchayath. The canteen which functions from morning till evening would serve food items like, dosa, idiyappam, puttu, idli, tea snacks, chattikanji, puzhukku etc. This canteen at Palakad district civil station premises could be considered as an example of expanding initiatives for transgender communities with the convergence of various Governmental departments.