Karnataka’s state cabinet on Thursday approved the State Policy for Transgenders, 2017, a policy to safeguard individuals from social and sexual exploitation, as well as to streamline the process of their integration into the mainstream society.

According to reports, the policy aims to remove the stigma attached to the transgender community allowing them equal opportunities for progress by providing them legal protection. The policy includes a reservation provision for transgender individuals at all levels of education. It also includes a provision to allow setting up of redressal cells for cases of harassment and discrimination of the individuals, Business Standard reported.

Speaking about the policy after the Cabinet meeting, TB Jayachandra, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said, “The policy had been drafted in compliance with a Supreme Court order and aims to address the insecurities, anxieties and suicidal tendencies, and prevent harassment and atrocities on them.”

The policy also states that the term transgender (instead of third gender) would be used in all documents and government communications. The Department of Women and Child Development will act as the nodal department for implementation of the policy, The Hindu reported.