Uttar Pradesh to provide ration cards to transgenders under special drive
Lucknow: Acting on a report that states transgender persons still lack access to basic govt facilities, the state govt will carry out a special drive to provide ration cards to members of the community. The decision, said a govt spokesperson, was taken to ensure food security for one of the most marginalised social groups and to bring them within the ambit of govt welfare schemes. The department of food and civil supplies has issued directions to all districts based on a report by the UP Transgender Welfare Board, which highlighted that many transgender citizens in the state still lack access to basic govt facilities, including ration cards and permanent employment, due to deep-rooted social inequalities. The department has now directed district supply officers across all districts to identify transgender individuals who do not have ration cards and issue them the document at the earliest, making them eligible for subsidised food grains. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the report and directed officials to prioritise the welfare of the transgender community so that the state can boast of all-inclusive growth. In addition to this, officials have also been instructed to simplify, expedite, and ensure transparency in the ration card issuance process, and to ensure that no eligible individual is excluded. Once verified under the campaign, beneficiaries will be added to the ‘eligible household’ category and covered under existing food security schemes. The department is also carrying out a massive drive to provide ration cards to eligible persons ahead of the launch of the ‘zero poverty’ programme in the state. “The transgender community, which has often been neglected by society, is now being given equal access to rights and govt services. The CM has consistently reiterated that no citizen, regardless of gender identity, will be left out of the benefits of development,” the official said. Recently, the govt also announced its plans to provide space to elderly persons from the transgender community at state-run old age homes. This facility will be provided to transgender persons above the age of 60 years. In addition to residential space, these homes will also offer access to essential services such as pensions, Ayushman Bharat health cards, regular health check-ups, food, and mental health counselling. The govt has also set up Transgender Protection Cells in every district to address their grievances. So far, the state govt has issued identity cards to 1,067 transgender persons and provided access to govt schemes. Additionally, 248 transgender students were awarded scholarships Lucknow: Acting on a report that states transgender persons still lack access to basic govt facilities, the state govt will carry out a special drive to provide ration cards to members of the community. The decision, said a govt spokesperson, was taken to ensure food security for one of the most marginalised social groups and to bring them within the ambit of govt welfare schemes. The department of food and civil supplies has issued directions to all districts based on a report by the UP Transgender Welfare Board, which highlighted that many transgender citizens in the state still lack access to basic govt facilities, including ration cards and permanent employment, due to deep-rooted social inequalities. The department has now directed district supply officers across all districts to identify transgender individuals who do not have ration cards and issue them the document at the earliest, making them eligible for subsidised food grains. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the report and directed officials to prioritise the welfare of the transgender community so that the state can boast of all-inclusive growth. In addition to this, officials have also been instructed to simplify, expedite, and ensure transparency in the ration card issuance process, and to ensure that no eligible individual is excluded. Once verified under the campaign, beneficiaries will be added to the ‘eligible household’ category and covered under existing food security schemes. The department is also carrying out a massive drive to provide ration cards to eligible persons ahead of the launch of the ‘zero poverty’ programme in the state. “The transgender community, which has often been neglected by society, is now being given equal access to rights and govt services. The CM has consistently reiterated that no citizen, regardless of gender identity, will be left out of the benefits of development,” the official said. Recently, the govt also announced its plans to provide space to elderly persons from the transgender community at state-run old age homes. This facility will be provided to transgender persons above the age of 60 years. In addition to residential space, these homes will also offer access to essential services such as pensions, Ayushman Bharat health cards, regular health check-ups, food, and mental health counselling. The govt has also set up Transgender Protection Cells in every district to address their grievances. So far, the state govt has issued identity cards to 1,067 transgender persons and provided access to govt schemes. Additionally, 248 transgender students were awarded scholarships. Courtesy: MSN Note: This news is originally published on https://www.msn.com and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Abandoned, once forced to beg and sing on streets, transgender students of Odisha school break barriers
Despite social odds and stigma, nine students of Sarojini Sanskruta Vidyalaya — who came together from various parts of the state — have cleared Class 10 board exams. Nine transgenders of a school in Odisha’s Bhadrak district have cleared the state Class X board examinations. These students of Sarojini Sanskruta Vidyalaya in Boualpokhari, Charmpa, under Bhadrak Municipality cleared the Class 10 exams, the results of which were announced on Friday, defying social odds and stigma to emerge victorious, said the headmaster of the school, Malayranjan Panda. The success of Riya Sahi, Jitu Swain, Jadunatha Hansda, Sanjana Samal, Sasmita Bindhani, Ashirbad Sahoo, Rajkishor Das, Sima Tangur and Sandhya Champia was not just academic, it marked a moment of personal triumph, as they were once shunned by their own families, said Panda. However, with the declaration of the Class X board results, the tides have turned in favour of the nine students. Phone calls, blessings and words of encouragement began pouring in, reconnecting them with loved ones who had once abandoned them, he said. “Like me, all others have come here from various parts of Odisha. We are staying in a rented house near the school. Despite humiliation and social stigma and other odds, our mental strength and encouragement from the school helped us clear the matriculation exam,” she said. When asked, Riya said, “I want to study further and live with dignity.” The All Odisha Transgender Welfare Association extended warm congratulations to the students for their achievement. Ashribad Sahu said, “People said we weren’t good enough because of our physical structure. But, we proved them wrong. I want to continue my studies and secure a government job for a better future.” “Many of these students were once forced to beg or sing on the streets for survival. They fought against the odds, rented rooms near the school, and studied diligently. Their success proves that with opportunity and support, they can achieve anything,” said Sommya Das, president of Bhadrak Transgender Surakshya Samiti. Soumya also acknowledged the role of local NGOs and the government’s transgender welfare fund in supporting the students’ education. “Some had to repeat Class IX due to personal challenges, but they never gave up. Special attention and mentorship helped them believe in themselves,” Soumya said. Their success stands as a beacon of hope and an example of how education can transform lives. These nine students not only passed an exam — they broke barriers and changed perceptions, Das added. Courtesy: Tribune India Note: This news is originally published on https://www.tribuneindia.com/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Supreme Court issues notice on plea for transgender reservation in NEET PG seats
The plea filed by three transgender persons seeks a 1 per cent horizontal reservation for transgender candidates. The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice on a plea seeking horizontal reservation for transgender students in postgraduate medical college seats, which are allocated through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET PG) [Kiran AR and ors v. Union of India and ors]. A Bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued notice on a plea filed by three transgender persons, who have sought a 1 per cent reservation for transgender candidates in PG medical seats. The students have argued that the notification issued for the conduct of the upcoming NEET-PG 2025-26 violates the Supreme Court’s 2014 landmark ruling in National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India. The petitioners recounted that in the NALSA judgment, the top court had called on the government to take steps to treat transgender persons as socially and educationally backward classes and to extend all kinds of reservations in public appointments and educational admissions to them. The plea adds that the NEET PG notifications issued in April for the conduct of the upcoming edition of the exam also violate the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which puts an obligation on the government to ensure the full and effective participation of transgender persons in society. The petitioners have contended that this year’s NEET PG admission notice is unconstitutional for being violative of Articles 14 (right to equality), 15 (right against non-discrimination), 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution of India. The petitioners, therefore, have called for the Court to direct the issuance of a fresh NEET PG admission notification which provides for horizontal reservation of seats for transgender persons in PG medical seats. “In the absence of horizontal reservations, the petitioners, who are (among) the few transgender persons in the country who are pursuing/ have completed MBBS and are planning to pursue their postgraduation, would be deprived of equal opportunity with no specific reservation being extended to them to ensure representation of transgender persons in postgraduate medical education despite transgender persons facing several social barriers,” the plea states. The Court has also been urged to stay the NEET PG admission notice dated April 16 until it decides on the matter. The petitioners include one student from a Scheduled Caste (SC), one student from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and one General/ Open category student. Senior Advocate Indira Jaising appeared for the petitioners. The petition has been filed through Advocate Paras Nath Singh. Courtesy: Bar and Bench Note: This news is originally published on https://www.barandbench.com and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Tripura transgender community protests Pahalgam attack, vows to defend nation.
In a powerful demonstration of patriotism, members of the Kinnar Samaj in Gomati District’s Udaipur staged a protest condemning the recent terrorist attack on Hindu tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Outraged by the brutal violence, the protestors burned Pakistan’s national flag, holding it responsible for repeated acts of terror on Indian soil. Chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and holding placards denouncing terrorism, they called for decisive action against Pakistan-sponsored militancy. Speaking to the media, the transgender activists made their position clear: “We have been protesting against Pakistan for years. They are disturbing peace and attacking innocent people. We must unite and fight back.” Declaring their unwavering commitment to the nation, one protester said: “We, from Kinnar Samaj, are ready to face bullets if needed. We will stand at the frontlines to protect our Bharat Mata.” They condemned the attacks on women and civilians in Kashmir and called upon all Indians to stand united against external threats. The protest by the transgender community has drawn attention for its bold stand and heartfelt patriotism, signalling that every section of Indian society is ready to defend the nation against terror. Courtesy: India Todayne Note: This news is originally published on https://www.indiatodayne.in and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
UP govt extends old-age home facilities to transgenders above 60
Lucknow, Apr 30 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh government Wednesday said it has decided to extend old-age home facilities to transgender individuals above the age of 60, a statement said. These elderly members of the transgender community will not only receive shelter but will also be ensured a dignified and secure life. They will be provided with pension, Ayushman Bharat health cards, routine health check-ups, nutritious food and mental health counselling, the government said in the statement. “The initiative is a reflection of a sensitive and forward-looking vision, aimed at supporting a community that has faced neglect and discrimination for decades,” the statement said. “The Yogi Adityanath government has ensured that the transgender community is provided with equal rights, dignity and opportunities. Registration of transgender individuals is also being carried out to connect them with various government schemes,” it said. To ensure safety and quick resolution of issues faced by the transgender community, the state government has established Transgender Protection Cells in every district. These cells operate under the supervision of the respective District Magistrate, ensuring transparency and accountability, it added. The government said a State-level Transgender Protection Cell has also been formed for policy formulation and overall monitoring. “These cells offer police protection, legal aid, swift action in cases of harassment and support for social rehabilitation. As a result, transgender individuals are now experiencing a safer and more supportive environment,” it said. The statement noted that the old-age homes run by the government have made special arrangements for the care of elderly transgender citizens. Community activities, libraries, yoga and meditation sessions will be organised to promote a positive and active lifestyle. Alongside, transgender residents also receive monthly pensions and benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, it added. The facility of old-age homes is part of a broader set of initiatives launched by the Yogi government for the welfare of the transgender community. In 2021, a dedicated welfare policy for transgenders was implemented. The same year, the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board was constituted, tasked with overseeing and implementing various schemes. The first “Garima Grih” (Dignity Home) has been set up in Gorakhpur, serving as a safe shelter for transgenders, providing education, healthcare, and skill development facilities. So far, identity cards have been issued to 1,067 transgender individuals, enabling them to avail of benefits under various government schemes with ease, according to the statement. Additionally, scholarships have been awarded to 248 transgender students, helping them join mainstream education and become self-reliant, it said. Courtesy: The Print Note: This news is originally published on https://theprint.in/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
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3 men dressed as trans for soliciting nabbed near Azadpur mandi
New Delhi, Apr 29 (PTI) The Delhi Police has apprehended three men for allegedly posing as transgender persons and soliciting in northwest Delhi’s Azadpur area, an officer said on Tuesday. Anil Kumar, 35, Prem Kumar Mahto, 30, and Sachin, 35, all residents of Jahangir Puri, were apprehended during an early morning operation near Fruit Mandi, Azadpur, on April 25, he said. The three had dressed as women, complete with makeup, to solicit near traffic signals in the area. “A specific input was received regarding certain male individuals masquerading as transgender persons and engaging in illegal activities, including begging and soliciting, in and around Fruit Mandi,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (North-West) Bhisham Singh said. The three at first asserted they were transgender, but confessed to being male after sustained questioning, the DCP said. They were booked under sections 91, 92, and 97, related to behaving indecently and causing annoyance, of the Delhi Police Act, the officer said. PTI SSJ SSJ VN VN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy: The Print Note: This news is originally published on https://theprint.in/ and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Chennai-based Trans Activist Summoned by Lucknow Police in Robbery Case, Ordered to Appear Personally—Grace Banu Calls it “False FIR! Never Visited Lucknow in My Life”
Human rights and transgender rights activists across India have rallied behind Banu, highlighting her 15-year legacy as a respected activist championing Dalit and transgender rights, a systematic pattern of false accusations to discredit her advocacy work. The summons issued on April 23, 2025 by Sub-Inspector Dinesh Singh of Talkatora Police Station clearly directs Grace Banu to personally appear at the police station within seven days of receiving the notice to record her statement. The summons issued on April 23, 2025 by Sub-Inspector Dinesh Singh of Talkatora Police Station clearly directs Grace Banu to personally appear at the police station within seven days of receiving the notice to record her statement. Lucknow/Chennai- Grace Banu, a prominent transgender and anti-caste activist from Tamil Nadu, has been summoned by Lucknow Police under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The notice directs her to appear in person at Talkatora Police Station in connection with Case No. 12/2025, which alleges assault, robbery, and criminal intimidation. The summons issued on April 23, 2025 by Sub-Inspector Dinesh Singh of Talkatora Police Station clearly directs Grace Banu to personally appear at the police station within seven days of receiving the notice to record her statement. The letter states that if she fails to appear, an arrest warrant may be issued against her. Following the police summons, transgender groups and human rights activists have expressed strong disapproval. They claim this FIR is fabricated and filed with malicious intent. The complainant Devika had earlier used casteist slurs against Dalit trans activist Yashika, following which Yashika had filed a complaint with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. Holding a grudge over this matter, Devika – who is a member of the Uttar Pradesh Trans Welfare Board – has allegedly filed this false complaint in collusion with UP Police. Background of the Case This case originates from an FIR registered on January 8, 2025, at Talkatora Police Station. The complainant, Devika Devendra S. Mangalamukhi, alleged that Aashish Kumar (alias Yashika), Grace Banu, Jane Kaushik, Ritwik Das, and others had violently assaulted her on December 22, 2024. They snatched her purse containing cash and valuable and threatened her with rape and acid attacks. She alleged that they ran a defamation campaign against her on social media. The accusations have sparked controversy, with activists questioning the timing and intent behind the FIR. Grace Banu’s Defense In response to the summons, Grace Banu submitted a detailed letter categorically stating that she has never visited Lucknow in her life. She emphatically denied ever traveling to Uttar Pradesh’s capital and presented concrete evidence proving her presence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on December 22, 2024 – the day of the alleged incident. Banu clarified she has never communicated with complainant Devika Devendra, whether telephonically or otherwise. Citing financial constraints and physical challenges in traveling from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh, Banu formally requested her interrogation be conducted via video conferencing – a plea underscoring the practical difficulties faced by marginalized activists in such legal battles. Human rights and transgender rights activists across India have rallied behind Banu, highlighting her 15-year legacy as a respected activist championing Dalit and transgender rights, a systematic pattern of false accusations to discredit her advocacy work. This case reflects the institutional harassment routinely faced by transgender and Dalit activists. Chennai based prominent Dalit rights activist Shalin Maria Lawrence launched a scathing attack on social media. She wrote, “At the behest of ruling party elements opposed to horizontal reservation for trans persons, UP Police has fabricated this robbery case against Dalit trans activist Grace Banu. The audacity to frame someone who’s never even visited UP! @Uppolice – do you consider Dalits easy targets for false cases?” Lawrence urgently tagged Nagina MP and Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad, appealing: “Please intervene against this casteist conspiracy.” ‘ Yes, We Exist’, the transgender rights collective revealed crucial context through their statement: “UP police has summoned Dalit and Trans rights activist @thirunangai to Lucknow based on a false robbery case filed by UP Police after it got a notice from National Commission of SC to take against casteist remarks made by UP Trans Welfare Board member Devika S Mangalmukhi.” They exposed Devika’s ideological stance: “Devika Mangalmukhi is opposed to the demand of horizontal reservations for trans persons, a demand that Grace & the LGBTQ+ community has been raising. Devika used casteist slurs against Yashika, a dalit trans activists, who then filed a case with the National Commission of SC.” Courtesy: The Mooknayak Note: This news is originally published on https://en.themooknayak.com and is for use by the non-military/non-commercial community, especially those in the human rights sector.
Trump administration urges Supreme Court to allow transgender military ban
The emergency application, filed by Solicitor General D John Sauer, argues that the injunction undermines the military’s professional judgment and the executive branch’s authority over military policy. The Trump administration has requested the US Supreme Court to allow enforcement of its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, seeking to overturn a nationwide injunction currently blocking the policy. The emergency application, filed by Solicitor General D John Sauer, argues that the injunction undermines the military’s professional judgment and the executive branch’s authority over military policy. The policy in question largely disqualifies individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria or those who have undergone gender transition procedures, though it permits case-by-case waivers if service is deemed critical to warfighting capabilities. US District Judge Benjamin Settle issued the injunction on March 27, saying the government had failed to present sufficient evidence justifying the ban, and called it a “facially unfair exclusionary policy.” The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals declined to stay the ruling, allowing the block to remain in place. The Supreme Court has asked opponents of the ban to respond to the administration’s request by May 1. In a related case, a similar injunction issued by a federal judge in Washington, DC is also under review. Critics argue the policy violates constitutional protections under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments by discriminating against transgender individuals. Advocacy groups like Lambda Legal contend that transgender service members have long met military standards and served with distinction. The ban expands on an earlier Trump-era policy that the Supreme Court previously allowed to take effect in 2019. President Biden later reversed the measure, allowing open service by transgender troops. Trump reinstated a more strict version through executive orders during his recent term, asserting that gender identity conflicts with military standards of readiness and cohesion. The Justice Department maintains that the Pentagon’s position reflects a rational concern for military effectiveness, drawing parallels to long-standing medical exclusions like those for asthma or hypertension. Courtesy : India Today Note: This news was originally published on https://indiatoday.com/30 and has been used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Breaking Barriers: Rajan Singh Becomes First Transgender Member of State-Level Disha Committee.
The Government of India marks history by choosing courageous transgender leader Rajan Singh from Bihar to serve on the State-Level Disha Committee under the Ministry of Rural Development. This pivotal move establishes a historical milestone by having a transgender person join an elite Indian council for the first time, thus starting an era of inclusive administration. Rajan Singh leads an example of inspirational determination that drives him forward. Rajan Singh lived his life in Bihar where he encountered severe social rejection, which led to discrimination against him. Rajan Singh fought through immense obstacles, but his unyielding spirit transformed him into a leadership model. Rajan Singh made a historic stride in politics when he became the first transgender candidate to run for a Lok Sabha seat in Delhi, thus enabling more trans citizens to dream of higher goals. Under the leadership of the Disha Committee, the state government practices supervision and coordination for rural development scheme execution in all parts of Bihar. Rajan Singh joins this strategic committee as more than an emblem of progress because his direct experience of local challenges helps the committee see situations through fresh eyes. Rajan Singh received special status as equal to a Minister of State (MoS) as an indication that the government is committed to inclusivity. The information brought unending delight to Rajan Singh’s spirit. The announcement brought forth mass celebrations with the distribution of sweets throughout their community to showcase collective victory to many more people. Rajan Singh used his tears to convey that his victory transmitted a message to every trans person in India that personal identity forms their strength instead of confining them. This achievement went beyond politics because it brought emotional power alongside political victory. Rajan Singh’s tale demonstrates how representation combined with resilience achieves great results. Rajan Singh’s assumption of state-level governance duties during a period when many transgender persons fight for fundamental rights serves as a symbol of hope for the community’s future. The continuous social development indicates that progress becomes a reality and is actually taking place. The Indian nation continues to welcome citizens it long regarded as social outcasts, as well as accepting those who have strived for recognition. India sends a clear democratic message through this appointment because diversity improves political systems. Systems that reflect different voices become stronger decision-makers and display increased compassion within their operations. The understanding Rajan Singh acquired through his experiences will drive policy development to become more sensitive toward rural communities. Rajan Singh embraces his new position while carrying the ambitions of a whole population whose members have faced extensive marginalization. Rajan Singh’s professional advancement represents both an individual and nationwide achievement. Every time doors open for those who have long remained outside society, positive changes begin to happen. India has boldly initiated progress during this current period. Courtesy : BOROK Times Note: This news was originally published on https://boroktimes.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.