UP govt plans welfare schemes for transpeople, proposes voluntary registration

Uttar Pradesh govt has proposed a first of its kind voluntary registration for transgender people in the state, aimed at devising welfare measures for the marginalised community, according to officials.

The ministry has proposed a budget of Rs 200 crore for the welfare of transgender people by means of providing them education facilities, developing their colonies with basic amenities and rehabilitating elderly members of the community, according to a PTI report

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had on April 18 directed state government officials to carry forward welfare measures for transgender people.

During his first tenure as chief minister, Adityanath had in 2021 formed the Transgender Welfare Board.

However, the first meeting of the board took place only on April 19 which was chaired by Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun.

A PTI report said that an estimated 20 lakh transgender people live across the state, with most of them having limited means of education and survival.

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Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun said the work will carried out as per provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

The Act was passed by Parliament with the objective to provide for protection of rights of transgender people, their welfare and other related matters.