MEPZ SEZ Celebrates Republic Day with a Call for Inclusive Growth and Social Justice

The Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) marked India’s 76th Republic Day with patriotic fervor and a strong commitment to economic progress and social inclusion. The celebration commenced with the hoisting of the national flag by Thiru Alex Paul Menon, IAS, Development Commissioner, MEPZ SEZ, followed by the national anthem. In his address, Thiru Menon emphasized the significance of Republic Day in honoring India’s Constitution and reaffirmed MEPZ SEZ’s role in driving economic growth through exports and employment generation. A Call for Inclusion and Empowerment Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, “No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive,” Thiru Menon underscored the importance of inclusivity. He particularly highlighted the struggles faced by the transgender community, citing social exclusion, employment barriers, healthcare challenges, and legal hurdles as significant concerns. He acknowledged that Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in transgender welfare, with initiatives such as identity cards, government job reservations, and employment in various sectors. However, he noted that formal sector inclusion remains low, with studies indicating that only 6% of transgender individuals are employed in the organized workforce.