Jharkhand’s transgender community struggles for welfare, pension access
arun
Posted On February 16, 2025
Ranchi: Transgender people in Jharkhand has raised concerns over the lack of financial support and welfare schemes for the community, particularly highlighting their inability to access the state’s universal pension scheme.
Community members said about 5,000 transgender people in Ranchi, Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Ramgarh, and Seraikela are unable to receive benefits under the CM’s State Social Security Pension Scheme launched in Sept 2023.
Amarjeet Singh, a community member, explained that bureaucratic hurdles, including the requirement for a permanent address proof, prevent many transgender people from accessing the monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000. “While the scheme exists on paper, practical barriers make it inaccessible for most of us,” Singh said.
The establishment of a Transgender Welfare Board, mandated by the 2014 National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgment, remains another contentious issue. Despite its formal creation in July 2024, the board remains non-functional without appointed members. Usha Singh, the executive president of the International Human Rights organization, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating human rights organizations would intervene if govt fails to protect transgender rights.
High court advocate Hrithik, who filed a PIL over the welfare board’s establishment, said, “Although the board has been set up, it remains non-functional without appointed members.” He urged the HC to take cognizance of the matter and called for swift action to address the issue.
Ranchi: Transgender people in Jharkhand has raised concerns over the lack of financial support and welfare schemes for the community, particularly highlighting their inability to access the state’s universal pension scheme.
Community members said about 5,000 transgender people in Ranchi, Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Ramgarh, and Seraikela are unable to receive benefits under the CM’s State Social Security Pension Scheme launched in Sept 2023.
Amarjeet Singh, a community member, explained that bureaucratic hurdles, including the requirement for a permanent address proof, prevent many transgender people from accessing the monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000. “While the scheme exists on paper, practical barriers make it inaccessible for most of us,” Singh said.
The establishment of a Transgender Welfare Board, mandated by the 2014 National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgment, remains another contentious issue. Despite its formal creation in July 2024, the board remains non-functional without appointed members. Usha Singh, the executive president of the International Human Rights organization, emphasized the need for immediate action, stating human rights organizations would intervene if govt fails to protect transgender rights.
High court advocate Hrithik, who filed a PIL over the welfare board’s establishment, said, “Although the board has been set up, it remains non-functional without appointed members.” He urged the HC to take cognizance of the matter and called for swift action to address the issue.
Courtesy : TOI
Note: This news is originally published on timesofindia.in and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
