
‘Reflection of inclusive governance': Delhi CM on Transgender Welfare and Empowerment Board
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced the formation of Transgender Welfare and Empowerment Board, which will be responsible for addressing the grievances of the community, and will also draw up schemes and policies for the welfare of transgenders.
Describing her government's decision as a 'powerful reflection of inclusive governance in Delhi', Gupta said, 'This is not merely a legal procedure, but a symbol of our unwavering commitment to ensure dignity, rights, and opportunities to the transgender community.'
Sharing the details, the CM said, 'This is a practical and powerful step towards building an empowered viksit (developed) Delhi. Our government is committed to ensuring equal rights for all. '
With the latest government move, transgenders will be able to self-declare their gender identity and obtain identity documents from the District Magistrate. The CM said that the board will also ensure the timely issuance of identity certificates and ID cards.
Besides, the BJP government is also planning new initiatives for the community, which will include the construction of third-gender toilets in government buildings, dedicated hospital wards, and gender-specific health services in government hospitals, officials said.
The government also plans to conduct sensitisation and awareness campaigns in educational institutions and workplaces and set up temporary shelters, employment training, and social security schemes tailored for the community.
'We are committed to building a Delhi that stands as a model of equality, respect, and inclusion. This decision reaffirms the values of equality and justice enshrined in the Indian Constitution and marks a revolutionary step toward mainstreaming the transgender community,' the CM said.
'Purple City'
Meanwhile, Gupta also met Dr Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat. Officials said that the objective of this meeting was to hold a detailed discussion on improving accessibility in sports, education, and public services for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the Capital. The CM said that under the 'Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan', all government buildings and sports stadiums in the city will be made disabled-friendly.
She also said the government is planning to extend the campaign at the city level and transform Delhi into India's first 'Purple City', a model of urban accessibility and inclusion.
The campaign is structured around the 'Sarkar, Samaj, Bazaar (government, society, marketplace)' framework. Infrastructure will be aligned with national accessibility standards in collaboration with government agencies; inclusion will be promoted at the grassroots level by engaging all 21 categories of disabilities, senior citizens, and the local community; and cost-effective, sustainable solutions will be developed in collaboration with vendors, innovators, and CSR partners, the CM said.
Gupta also said that there also plans to organise 'Purple Fest' as part of the Sugamya Delhi Abhiyan.
The CM has directed the officials concerned to draft a detailed plan for the event. 'Through this fest, the government aims to promote a positive outlook and greater sensitivity in society toward the capabilities, talents, and rights of persons with disabilities…,' the CM said.
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