The decision is based on the recently completed year-long mapping and study on eunuchs in the state.

The study has identified 126 sites with around 1,400 eunuchs living there.

“Previously, they were a part of the LGBT community. But our study reveals they are more marginalised compared to other groups. The lack of awareness among eunuchs leads to frequent unprotected sex and thus they are at risk of getting infected and spreading HIV/AIDS. We have therefore planned an intervention programme for them, which will start as soon as possible,” said R Shukla, Special Secretary, state health department and director, West Bengal State HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Society (WBSAPCS).

The project will be funded by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and is to be planned and implemented by the state health department. The project will be run by eunuchs, as the state government will train leaders from the community as peer educators. The state health department has already initiated talks with groups of eunuchs in various districts.

The project will include awareness campaigns to teach members of the community about HIV/AIDS, its modes of transmission and preventive methods. Special drop-in centres for members of the community will be established, apart from encouraging them to visit Voluntary Testing and Counselling Centres (VCTCs) for testing.

Community members will also have access to treatment of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs), apart from benefiting from condom promotion.

The mapping exercise furnished a clear picture of eunuch distribution in West Bengal. The Pan groups - those controlling a demarcated area so that particular groups are permitted to work in the area - of North 24-Parganas and Sankrail (Howrah) operate in districts of Purulia, Bankura and Nadia, collecting money from shops and establishments called Toli.

They also collect money during marriages or on the occasion of childbirth. There are also many groups of Khergellas and Dhingras, who do not have demarcated areas and ask for money from people in trains, parks and other public places, in Howrah and Kolkata.

The study also denotes sexual risk factors, including unprotected sex and sexually transmitted diseases that account for most infections in the group.