In a bid to enhance inclusiveness, the Delhi government on Monday announced that members of the transgender community living in the city will now be able to travel free of cost on all buses operated by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Transport Department’s cluster bus network.
The decision was approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat on Monday.
The Cabinet has cleared a proposal to include transgender passengers in the existing free bus travel scheme across all DTC and cluster bus routes. The facility will be implemented in the same manner as the free travel scheme currently available for women in Delhi’s buses, the CM says.
Under the plan, eligible transgender residents of Delhi will be able to avail themselves of free travel in DTC and cluster buses. To qualify, beneficiaries must be residents of Delhi and possess a valid certificate of identity issued by the District Magistrate (DM) concerned. This certificate is issued under Sections 5 and 6 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Calling the decision an important step, the CM said the initiative aimed to make public transport more accessible, safe and respectful for the community.
She notes that true inclusive governance is achieved when the government recognizes every community with dignity and ensures equal access to public services.
“This initiative will help connect the transgender community more strongly with the mainstream and reduce the practical challenges they face in their daily lives,” she said. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the initiative will make it easier for members of the transgender community to travel for employment, education, healthcare and other essential needs.
At the same time, she added, the decision would also send a strong message of sensitivity and equality within society. The government will continue to promote policies and initiatives that strengthen social justice, equal opportunity and human dignity.
\BHow transgender persons will get the Pink Card\B
Under the scheme, members of the community will first need to obtain a transgender identity certificate from the District Magistrate. Once they receive this certificate, they can apply for the Pink Card at around 50 designated centres, including offices of District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), and selected DTC centres.
The card will be issued based on minimal documentation and will be linked to the beneficiary’s mobile number and Aadhaar. Aadhaar verification will be used to confirm the applicant’s age (above five years) and Delhi residency, ensuring eligibility and preventing duplication.
After receiving the Pink Card, transgender individuals will be able to travel free of cost in DTC buses, similar to the facility available to women. The same smart card can also be used to pay fares while travelling on the Delhi Metro, RRTS and other public transport services.
Courtesy : The Tribune
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