The 2025-2026 baseline survey on gender minorities in Karnataka recommends a 1% reservation for these individuals in private sector jobs. The report was submitted to the Karnataka government on January 24, 2026. Currently, Karnataka offers a 1% horizontal reservation for transgender persons in government jobs. This survey, the first in India of its kind, was carried out by the Department of Women and Child Development and the Karnataka State Women’s Development Corporation. It recorded 10,365 gender minority individuals in the state. The report stresses, “It is important that not only the government but also private companies provide employment opportunities to gender minorities.” It also suggests creating a gender minority welfare board. The survey found violence and discrimination against gender minorities in about 40% of schools and colleges. It revealed that 25% of adults and 46% of children asked for financial help for their education. Around 40% are not accepted by their family members. Shockingly, 90% faced violence, discrimination, or humiliation in hospitals. To improve conditions, the report recommends financial support, priority hostel enrollment, coaching for exams, scholarships, and Ayushman Bharat cards for all. It also urges special schemes for gender affirmation surgeries. About 15% live with parents, 17% in separate homes, and many on the streets. So, the report calls for housing facilities, separate toilets and waiting rooms in public places, rehabilitation programs, and special camps to distribute ration cards. Awareness programs for the public, families, and officials are suggested to reduce violence and discrimination. The 45-day survey covered all 31 districts and found 10,250 adults and 115 children from gender minorities. The highest numbers were in Vijayapura (1,428), Chikkaballapur (1,252), Bengaluru Urban (757), Kolar (638), and Belagavi (618). Among them, 3,497 belong to scheduled castes and 1,369 to scheduled tribes. The 2011 Census had recorded 34,283 gender minorities in Karnataka, while before the 2023 elections, officials estimated 42,756 transgender individuals eligible to vote in the state.