228. Bringing transgenders to mainstream, socio-economic and policy initiatives
Status: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act passed in November 2019 recognises the identity of transgender persons, protects them against discrimination, and binds the central and state governments to take steps for the welfare of transgender persons and their “inclusion in the society”. It assures them of employment opportunities, education, health and social security. A National Council has also been constituted under the Act to monitor the said programme and advise the union government on policies and issues concerning the transgender community. The government further launched the scheme SMILE, under which the government provides support for rehabilitation, skill training and livelihood opportunities to transgender persons. Additionally, the government rolled out a national portal to provide identity cards/certificates to transgender people without any physical interface. A transgender person registered on the portal is also eligible for free healthcare facilities under Ayushman Bharat. i ii iii