Transgender got special identity card to get benefits of 'Government social schemes'

 

‘Transgender’ class means a community whose gender identity is different from the gender that is determined at the time of its birth. It includes trans men, trans women, intersex (interested in same sex relationships) and eunuchs. The worse social truth of Indian society that a transgenders still has to make extra efforts to be accepted into the world of so called 'commoners'. Even in today's well-educated Indian society it is not easy for a transgender to improve his life and make his place in society. The transgender class has to still face humiliating behavior from society and sharp  sensual eyes of the world.

Recently, the Andhra Pradesh’s district Srikakulam government has taken a great initiative to provide this transgender class a separate identity in the society and have been issued ‘Government Identity Cards’ to them. Through this card they get benefits of various government schemes under the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Right) Act, 2019.

61 Transgenders got this Special  Identity cards till now

These cards have been prepared completely as per the instructions of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. 61 members of the transgender community have received this government identity card under this scheme. During an event organized at the office of the Collector J Niwas in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh on 24^th March.

District youth club helps community members to register online

Srikakulam is the first district in the state to issue such ID Cards to the transgender community and make efforts to  provide all helps under this scheme. Collector J Niwas directed them to go to the nearest village secretariat to get details of this transgenders welfare scheme. While the ‘Bejipuram Youth club’ helped them to register their details online.

All government schemes will get benefit through this card.

According to M. Prasadarao, President of the 'Bejipuram Youth club' – “so far 93 people of the district's transgender community have also received pension under the government scheme through this government identity card. Apart from this, card holders will also be given exemption in housing schemes.”

Government should start awareness programs for non-discriminating behavior: transgender community

The people of the transgender community said that - "why we still live by begging on the streets. While, many among us have been educated. Despite this, society does not give us opportunities to get mixed up with it. Being transgender is not a crime. The government should organize such campaigns and programs in the district. So that, people should not discriminate and consider us as a part of this society.