New job-training program aims to improve lot of India's eunuchs

[Natasha]

New job-training program aims to improve lot of India's eunuchs

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7/8/2008

"NEW DELHI -- Following the example of India's 18th-century Mughal
rulers, who used castrated men or hermaphrodites to guard their
harems, the government of the eastern state of Bihar plans to post
eunuchs as guards in girls dormitories, colleges and hospitals.

"We are trying to prepare a plan for them so they can be involved in
normal economic activity of society," said Vijay Prakash, a principal
secretary in the state social welfare department. "They will be
trained to work as security guards and for other types of activities
which suit their temperament or in which they have developed certain
expertise. They will also be involved in promoting activities related
to women and child development and AIDS education."