Thu Sep 25 16:30:25 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Expands Gender Minority Survey Enrollment Centers Following Community Concerns

**Bengaluru, India – September 25, 2025** – The Karnataka government has announced an expansion of enrollment centers for the ongoing survey of gender minorities within the state, addressing concerns raised by the transgender and intersex community. Previously limited to government hospitals, registration will now be available at Directorate of Women and Child Development (DWCD) deputy director offices at the district level, Child Development Project Officer offices at the taluk level, and other convenient government offices within communities.

This decision comes after low turnout numbers in Bengaluru, attributed to concerns about accessibility, loss of income due to travel and survey time, and initial unfounded rumors of mandatory physical examinations at hospitals. Despite government assurances that no medical examinations would be conducted, many community members remained hesitant to register at hospital locations.

“The survey has been going well in other districts,” said Mahesh Babu, Managing Director, Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation. “There has been some resistance in Bengaluru though. But now, apart from hospitals, the survey will also be held at DD offices, CDPO offices and other government offices in localities where the communities have been reluctant to come to hospitals. Hopefully, the numbers will pick up now.”

The change in policy, decided during a review meeting held on September 21, aims to improve accessibility and allay fears, encouraging greater participation in the important state-wide survey. According to official sources, the overall enrollment number in Karnataka currently stands at approximately 6,000. The government hopes the increased accessibility will significantly boost enrollment in the coming weeks.

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