Punjab strives to implement SC directives on transgender rights

Chandigarh, June 29, 2014: Punjab Government has decided to chalk out a collective inter-department strategy to implement the Supreme Court directives on transgender issues and to redress the entrenched discrimination they have faced. All departments have been directed to submit a plan of action report concerning their contribution and policies to move beyond the gender binary system. The State of Punjab remains committed to the advancement of transgender rights and social development.
An official spokesman divulging the details of the Supreme Court recommendations said that on education front transgender children will be provided with scholarships, fee waivers, free textbooks and other facilities for students at subsidized rates. Content on transgender as a concept and its related issues will be included in school curriculum. Educational institutions/universities must establish an anti-discrimination cell, sensitize students and staff towards the same while Aanganwadi Centers and Self-Help groups can provide information to parents of gender non-conforming youth. For employment enhancement, State will establish vocational training centers and a helpline for career guidance. Loans at 25% subsidies to be provided to facilitate venture setups and pension schemes are to be initiated. State will support and collaborate with NGOs working towards transgender empowerment.
As a recognised third gender, changes in official documents can be made after the age of eighteen years and above, once certificate recognizing transgender status has been issued by a state level authority. This will be done on recommendation of a District Level Screening Committee headed by Collector/District Magistrate compromising District Social Welfare Officer, psychologist, psychiatrist, a social worker and two representatives of transgender community.
He also stated that strict disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate the human rights, dignity and right to self-determination of transgender community members. Sexual assault, harassment, gender identity based slurs, hate crimes and alleged excesses by Police will all be covered under various sections of the IPC. To cope with trauma and violence transgender face, state counseling services will also be made available. The Punjab Government aims to bridge the gap between legal directives and social practices by ensuring that members of the transgender community are no longer relegated to the fringes of society but get uplifted and empowered.