The Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board has approved a proposal to build a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with members saying it is a gesture of gratitude for the “respect and rights” extended to the transgender community.
The proposal was approved unanimously during the Board’s first meeting held on Wednesday under the Bihar Social Welfare Department.
Proposal passed unanimously
Board member Ranjan Singh, who moved the proposal, said the transgender community wanted to honour the Prime Minister for measures taken for its welfare.
“Since the transgender community in Bihar does not have a temple of its own, I proposed to build a temple for Prime Minister Narendra Modi because he gave us respect and rights. The proposal received the support of all members and was approved by the Board,” Singh said.
He added that the proposed temple would be built in Patna after the state government identifies suitable land for the project.
Temple to come up in Patna
According to Singh, construction will begin once land is allotted by the Bihar government. He also claimed that the state government would bear the cost of constructing the temple.
He said Wednesday’s meeting was the Board’s first after the implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which provides institutional representation to the transgender community in the state.
Board formed in 2025
The Bihar State Transgender Welfare Board, also known as the Bihar Rajya Kinnar Kalyan Board, was constituted in August 2025 under the Social Welfare Department to protect the rights of transgender persons and promote their social welfare and empowerment.
The Board comprises 28 members and works on issues related to education, healthcare, employment, social security and the welfare of the transgender community.
Welfare initiatives in Bihar
In recent years, Bihar has taken several initiatives concerning the transgender community, including recruitment of transgender candidates into the state police force following legal directives. The state has also seen transgender candidates contest elections and community-led initiatives such as Bihar’s first transgender-run restaurant in Patna.
Members of the community, however, have continued to call for greater government support, better implementation of welfare measures and more accurate enumeration of the transgender population in the state.
