Sat Mar 08 15:53:21 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Budget Criticized for Ignoring Gender and Sexual Minorities
**Bengaluru, March 8, 2025** – The Movement for Gender and Sexual Pluralism (MGSP) sharply criticized the Karnataka State Budget for its complete lack of provisions for gender and sexual minorities. At a press conference on Saturday, activists condemned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for ignoring repeated requests for financial support and policy reforms.
Manohar Elavarthi of the MGSP highlighted the group’s five key demands submitted before the 2025-26 budget, including a new welfare scheme for transgender individuals, increased financial aid for entrepreneurs, free sex reassignment surgeries, job training for the 1% government job reservation, and the establishment of a dedicated welfare corporation. Elavarthi expressed outrage that a ₹4 lakh crore budget could not allocate even a small percentage to address the needs of this community.
The MGSP urged the Congress government to prioritize policies that create employment opportunities and provide essential skill training for transgender individuals. The organization’s concerns underscore the continued marginalization of gender and sexual minorities in the state, despite previous calls for inclusion and support.
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