A Pre-Legislative Consultation meeting on Rights of Transgender Persons Bill was held under the Chairmanship of Minister, Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot with representatives from concerned Ministries, legal experts and representatives of transgender community. Shri Vijay Sampla, Hon’ble MOS for SJ&E was also present in the consultation meeting.
The various issues relating to stigma and discrimination of transgender persons including children in the community, families, in schools, colleges and at work place etc., were discussed. Other issues that were deliberated upon were establishment of a Welfare Board for Transgender Persons at National and State level for effective implementation of the provisions of Bill and to act as a grievance redressal mechanism. The difficulties in getting certificates or getting the same modified by transgender persons were also highlighted. Members also felt that various legislations pertaining to violence and abuse should also be extended to the transgender persons which would go a long way in securing justice for this vulnerable community. The issues relating to health also need to be detailed and elaborated.
Addressing the consultation, Minister assured that the various suggestions given by the stakeholders for the welfare of transgender persons will be duly considered and implemented through the State Governments. The Central Government will try to create a conducive environment for the community at various levels so that they can be brought into the main stream of the society.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministries of Social Justice & Empowerment, Home Affairs, Human Resource Development, Women & Child Development, Registrar General of India, External Affairs, Housing and Poverty Alleviation, Law & Justice, Information & Broadcasting and Rural Development. Representatives from the Lawyers Collective, Center for Legal Aid and Rights, Jamia Millia University, Dept. of Adult Education (Delhi University) and representatives of the transgender community from different parts of the country also participated in the discussion.