“They call us Hijra. Being born like this, we never get to live a dignified life. Though we have parents, we are forced to live like orphans right from the childhood as our parents thought we were a curse on them. Our status is worse than a prostitute's”.
This was the narration by Noori, a eunuch (Hijra) of the city. Noori was among a dozen eunuchs who came to submit a memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Amlan Aditya Biswas demanding houses under Ashraya Scheme, and other facilities.
Noori told newsmen here on Saturday that the eunuchs were living in a pathetic social and economical condition. Since people do not offer any employment to them, they are forced to seek alms or work as hired dancers on occasions to eke out a livelihood.
“People do not let houses to us, even on rent. When we get a house, the owners ask us vacate early. Where should we go,” asks Dimple.
Presently residing in rented houses, the group urged the Government to allot houses under Ashraya, BPL cards and other medical facilities being offered to the poor.
Another eunuch, Sayed Akbar, who is HIV infected, says his parents have forsaken him as soon as he was born. Presently, working with an NGO for a salary of Rs 1,800, Sayed says he has submitted several memoranda to the authorities seeking financial support for his treatment.
“None of the officers has come to my help. Deserted by parents, now I live with other eunuchs who offer me food and shelter,” he said in a chocked voice.