Article:
In response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has decided to provide one-time financial assistance to transgender persons across the nation. This initiative aims at offering immediate subsistence aid of Rs. 1,500 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to effectively support the transgender community during these challenging times.
Understanding the Assistance Program
The financial aid program will be executed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), an initiative wherein funds are transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries for this assistance program can register themselves through the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
About National Institute of Social Defence (NISD)
Registered under Societies Act XXI of 1860 with the Government of National Capital Territory (NCT), Delhi, NISD functions as an Autonomous Body. It serves as a central advisory unit to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The institute is a pivotal training and research establishment in the realm of social defence. Currently, it concentrates on human resource advancement in sectors such as drug abuse prevention, welfare of senior citizens, beggary prevention, and issues related to transgender and other social defence subjects.
Key Initiatives for Transgender Rights
Several key judgments and legislations have facilitated the rights and recognition of transgenders in India:
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India, 2014
In this landmark judgement, the Supreme Court recognized transgender people as a ‘third gender’.
Decriminalization of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (2018)
The Supreme Court decriminalized same-sex relationships, marking a progressive step towards LGBTQIA+ rights in India.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
This Act defines a transgender person as one whose gender does not correlate with the gender assigned at birth. It includes transmen and trans-women, persons with intersex variations, gender-queers, and persons with socio-cultural identities, such as kinnar and hijra. This Act establishes a National Council for Transgender Persons, grants the right to obtain a Certificate of Identity and ensures the right of residence with parents and immediate family members. Discrimination against a transgender person in sectors like education, employment, and healthcare is prohibited. Violations of the Act can lead to imprisonment between six months and two years, along with a fine.
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020
These set of rules further provide regulatory guidelines for implementing the provisions of the Act.
National Portal for Transgender Persons and the Scheme of ‘Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’
The national portal serves as a platform for transgender individuals to access various services and facilities. ‘Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’ is an initiative aimed at providing safe and inclusive housing options for transgender individuals.
(Source: TH)
