LIC turns a new leaf in the life of transgenders

CHENNAI: The next time you see a transgender canvassing life insurance, credit it to a brainwave from LIC. On Friday, 60 transgenders from Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur  and Chennai participated in a camp, organised by LIC  along with the Social Welfare Department, where they would learn the nuances of being an agent for the corporation.

R Vasuki, Commissioner, Department of Social Welfare, said, “This kind of employment opportunity will economically empower the transgenders and will keep them away from begging and commercial sex.”  

The criteria to become an agent in the rural area was a pass in Standard 10 and in the metros it was a XII Standard pass. Those who fit into the criteria would be given 50 hours of training in a week after which they would appear for a written examination.

Senthur Nathan, marketing manager from LIC said, “Once they clear the exams, they will get a licence issued by the IRDA (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority) to work with as agents for LIC.”He also said that there was a plan to conduct camps in the other districts to give opportunities to transgenders.