In Rajasthan, transgenders to get identity cards soon to avail of scheme benefits

The Transgender Welfare Board will soon issue multi-purpose identity cards to about 75,000 transgenders in the state to help them avail of government schemes.

Pushpa, a member of the board set up last year under the social justice and welfare department, said camps will be held from August in all districts, where transgenders can register themselves and get the cards free.

The person will have to give an affidavit stating that he or she is a transgender and provide age, residence and contact details. “Once they have this card, they will not need to give any other document as proof to avail of government schemes and benefits,” she said.

“The card will have all their details and can then be used to avail of government schemes, such as pension, housing, education and health. The ID card can also be used to open bank accounts or get Aadhar or voter ID cards,” said Puhspa.

Nayi Bhor, an organisation that works with transgenders, with UNDP had recorded 22,000 transgenders in 2013. Pushpa, the founder-chairperson of Nayi Bhor, said since then the number has increased and as per their estimates, there are around 75,000 persons of the third gender in the state.

“The board will hold camps in districts where those who want the ID cards can give their affidavits and details and get the cards,” she said.

The camps will be a one-stop shop, so the applicants don’t have to run around, said Pushpa. A lawyer will prepare the affidavits and a psychiatrist will certify that the person is a transgender.

Once the cards are ready, the resource persons of the welfare committees in the districts will distribute the cards.

In 2014, the Supreme Court had recognised transgenders as a third gender and directed that they be considered OBCs (other backward classes) and government devise social welfare schemes for them and bring them into the mainstream of society.