Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, JAD-1, Patna High Court-cum-Executive Chairman, Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA), introduced the inaugural "Scheme for Integration of Transgender Persons and their Rehabilitation and providing Access to Justice), 2023" (SITARA, 2023)

Its primary objective is to ensure the effective enforcement of the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020. Additionally, the scheme endeavors to spearhead initiatives that promote the comprehensive well-being of transgender individuals.

The launch event witnessed the presence of transgender community members, BSLSA officials, and staff, conducted both in-person and online. Justice Singh highlighted the pivotal principles of Integration, Rehabilitation, and Access to Justice for the transgender community in his address.

Under Justice Singh's guidance, a recent meeting was convened involving multiple state government departments. The focus of the discussion revolved around matters concerning the identification process, skill enhancement programs, and housing provisions for transgender individuals.

Ms. Dhriti Jasleen Sharma, Joint Secretary and In-Charge Member Secretary of BSLSA, provided an overview of the SITARA Scheme and its implementation, expressing its benefits for the transgender community. Ms. Neha Niharika, Assistant Registrar, BSLSA, presented the program and extended a warm welcome.

At the event, Ms. Reshma Prasad, a National Council for Transgender Persons member and founder of the NGO Dostana Safar, alongside other members of the transgender community, voiced their perspectives and concerns. They highlighted the constructive influence of the SITARA Scheme, praising its role as a symbol of hope and progress akin to a beacon of light during the Diwali festival.

Furthermore, the Bihar State Legal Services Authority solidified its commitment to uphold the rights and justice for the transgender community by officially acknowledging transgender individuals as eligible beneficiaries for Free Legal Aid under Clause 19 of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority Regulations, 1998, following an amendment in 2017.