Latest news with #TransgenderWelfareandEmpowermentBoard
Hindustan Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt to set up transgender welfare board
The Delhi government on Saturday announced the establishment of a 'Transgender Welfare and Empowerment Board' in a first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure the dignity, rights, and opportunities for the transgender community in the Capital. Chief minister Rekha Gupta described the move as a reflection of inclusive governance in Delhi and asserted that the government is taking practical steps to uplift marginalised communities, the Delhi chief minister's office said in a statement. 'This is not merely a legal procedure, but a symbol of our unwavering commitment to ensure dignity, rights, and opportunities to the transgender community. This is a practical and powerful step towards building an empowered and 'Viksit Delhi'. Our government is committed to ensuring equal rights for all. The board will work on policy making, recommending welfare schemes, coordinating with various departments, and resolving grievances of the transgender community. It will also ensure timely issuance of identity certificates and ID cards. Now, transgender individuals will be able to self-declare their gender identity and obtain identity documents from the district magistrate,' the chief minister said. According to Delhi government officials, the board will be entrusted with key responsibilities, including policy formulation, recommendation of welfare schemes, coordination among departments, and grievance redressal for transgender persons. It will also play a vital role in ensuring the timely issuance of identity certificates and ID cards, enabling transgender individuals to self-declare their gender identity and obtain official documentation from their respective District Magistrates without bureaucratic hurdles. The government will roll out several supportive measures targeted specifically at the transgender community such as construction of third-gender toilets in government buildings, dedicated hospital wards and gender-specific healthcare services in government-run hospitals, ensuring that medical care is inclusive and sensitive, a transparent and online process for the issuance of transgender identity cards to reduce delays and promote accessibility, sensitisation and awareness campaigns across schools, colleges, and workplaces to address stigma and promote social acceptance; and employment training programmes, temporary shelters, and social security schemes tailored to the needs of the transgender population. The move has been hailed by activists and civil society organisations. 'This is a revolutionary step,' said a spokesperson from a Delhi-based LGBTQ+ rights organisation. 'It sets a precedent for other states to follow and shows that Delhi is serious about equality, not just in words but in action,' the spokesperson said.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘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.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi CM forms Transgender Welfare and Empowerment Board
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced the formation of the Transgender Welfare and Empowerment Board to address the grievances of the community. The Board will help the transgender community receive their rightful entitlements in education, healthcare, employment, and safety, Gupta said in a statement. Stating that the Board will work on policymaking and recommending welfare schemes, the chief minister added that it will also coordinate with various departments to solve issues regarding the transgender community. This development will also ensure the timely issuance of identity certificates and ID cards. Now, transgenders will be able to self-declare their gender identity and obtain identity documents from the District Magistrate, the statement said. The chief minister further emphasised that this is not just a legal formality but a reflection of the government's deep commitment to providing dignity, rights, and opportunities to the transgender community. The Delhi government is planning new initiatives to ensure a dignified life for the transgender community, including construction of dedicated third-gender toilets in government buildings, hospital wards and gender-specific health services in government hospitals, she said. A transparent online process for issuing ID cards, sensitisation and awareness campaigns in educational institutions and workplaces, temporary shelters, employment training and social security schemes tailored to the community, are also being planned by the government. Reaffirming her government's commitment to developing a Delhi that stands for equality, respect, and inclusion, Gupta said this decision reaffirms the values of equality and justice in the Indian Constitution. She also called the development 'revolutionary' as it will bring the transgender community into the mainstream.
