Free accommodation and food, monthly pocket money included. Find out where and for whom these schemes are running.
In 2021, a welfare policy was implemented for the Uttar Pradesh transgender community. The Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board was formed this year, responsible for monitoring the schemes. The BJP government of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken another historic step towards social harmony and inclusive development in the state. Transgender people over the age of 60 will now have access to old-age homes. This will not only provide them shelter but also the opportunity to live a dignified and safe life. These transgender people will be able to live and eat for free in the old-age homes, and will even receive services such as pension, Ayushman Bharat cards, health checkups, and mental health counseling. In many cities, transgender people are no longer limited to traditional occupations but are also making their mark in education, politics, police, and social work. However, challenges such as discrimination, unemployment, and lack of social acceptance still exist. Despite this, members of the community continue to raise their voices for their rights and a dignified life. Welfare Policy Implemented in 2021 In 2021, the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board was implemented. The Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board was established this year, responsible for monitoring schemes and other initiatives. The Yogi government has ensured that the transgender community in the state enjoys equal rights, dignity, and opportunities. Ongoing Registration Process Transgender people are being registered to connect them with government schemes. To ensure the safety and resolution of problems for the transgender community, the state government has established Transgender Protection Cells in every district. These cells are being operated under the supervision of the District Magistrate. What other facilities will transgender people receive? In these old age homes, transgender people will receive good food, regular health checkups, medication, medical health care, mental health support, and counseling services. Additionally, community activities, libraries, yoga, and meditation sessions will be conducted in these old age homes to maintain positivity in life. 1,067 transgender individuals have received ID cards so far. So far, 1,067 transgender individuals have been issued identity cards, making it easier for them to access government schemes. Additionally, 248 transgender students are receiving scholarships. What does the government say? Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, L. Venkateswar Lu stated that more schemes will be introduced for the transgender community in the future to promote their social, economic, and mental empowerment. Anjali Karmakar About the Author Anjali Karmakar has been active in the field of journalism for 12 years. She graduated in Economics from Banaras Hindu University and earned a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from the same university. Courtesy: Hindi News
Tumakuru rally likely to be transition point for Siddaramaiah govt amid leadership talk
Political analysts said that the event can be interpreted as a farewell to some ministers as Siddaramaiah is planning to visit Delhi soon to seek the approval of the party high command. BENGALURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-led Congress government’s big ticket rally on May 20, marking the completion of three years in office in Tumakuru is likely to be a transition point. The rally will be a shot in the arm for the Siddaramaiah camp, lobbying for his continuation as CM and expecting a reshuffle of the cabinet. The achievements of the government will be on full display, which is an attempt at image makeover to nullify any anti-incumbency. It has been happening after the Congress retained Davanagere South and Bagalkot assembly seats in the bypolls. With the rally organised in his home district, Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, who is with the Siddaramaiah camp and is pitching for the the chief minister’s post under the Dalit quota, will score over Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has kept his hopes up on becoming CM as per a power sharing agreement arrived at soon after the party came to power in 2023. Parameshwara is ensuring that over two lakh people attend the rally in his own show of strength, though it is an official programme. Political analysts said that the event can be interpreted as a farewell to some ministers as Siddaramaiah is planning to visit Delhi soon to seek the approval of the party high command, especially Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, for a cabinet reshuffle after the Kerala chief minister issue is settled. During the rally, around 1.52 lakh beneficiaries will be presented with title deeds for their lands and houses under different schemes. When the government completed two years in office in 2025, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda had organised a similar event in Haveri. Gowda also claimed that several cases pending in the courts of tahsildars and the sub-divisional Officers have been disposed of. “For example, in May 2020, there were 10,774 expired cases pending in tahsildar courts in the state. By April 2026, these had been reduced to just Similarly, there were 73,624 expired cases pending in the courts of the sub-divisional officers. A majority of the cases have been disposed of, and only 7,721 cases are pending. This means 99.9% of pending cases in tahsildar’s courts have been disposed of,” he said. He also mentioned digitisation initiatives such as e-pauti, ‘podi’, to recognise hamlets as revenue villages. During the rally, title deeds will be issued to 2.2 lakh households. Devaraj B Hirehalli Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘People will not forgive’: Posters in Wayanad tear into Rahul, Priyanka
The posters stated that Wayanad had stood with Rahul Gandhi and later Priyanka Gandhi after setbacks in Amethi, but the constituency should not be viewed merely as a politically convenient seat. KALPETTA: As discussions over the chief minister’s post continue within the Congress, posters targeting Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi surfaced in different parts of Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, triggering political controversy. The posters carried sharp criticism against the Gandhi family and senior Congress leader K C Venugopal. One of the messages read: “KC may carry your bag, but the people of Kerala will not forgive you.” Another warned leaders against treating Wayanad as merely a “safe seat” for electoral victories. Posters appeared near the MP office at Karassery in Kozhikode, which falls under the Wayanad constituency, and along roads leading to the DCC office in Wayanad district. Soon after news of the posters spread, many of them were removed. The posters stated that Wayanad had stood with Rahul Gandhi and later Priyanka Gandhi after setbacks in Amethi, but the constituency should not be viewed merely as a politically convenient seat. Slogans such as “No more climbing the Wayanad pass for a safe seat” and “Forget Wayanad” were also displayed. The controversy comes amid growing resentment among Congress and Muslim League workers over the support extended by three Congress MLAs from Wayanad to K C Venugopal during the ongoing leadership discussions. The disagreement has also spilled onto social media platforms in recent days. The posters further warned that ignoring public sentiment would have “serious consequences” and claimed that “Wayanad too could become another Amethi.” It remains unclear who was behind the posters. Courtesy : The New Indian Express Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
VD Satheesan to be Kerala’s next Chief Minister; celebrations erupt across the state
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, KC Venugopal said he will provide all support to the CM and the UDF government in Kerala. Ending days of suspense and intense internal negotiations, the Congress on Tuesday officially named senior leader VD Satheesan as the next Chief Minister of Kerala. The announcement was made by AICC state in-charge Deepa Das Munshi in the capital, along with AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh, observers Mukul Wasnik and Ajay Maken, among others. “The Congress Legislature Party had met in Thiruvananthapuram on May 7, 2026, and had unanimously resolved to authorise the Congress President to appoint the new leader of the CLP in the state of Kerala. Accordingly, the Congress President held extensive discussions with the Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, the AICC observers who met the newly elected MLAs on May 7, 2026, and many other leaders from the state, including MPs and former KPCC presidents. Based on all these discussions, it has been decided that VD Satheesan be appointed as the leader of the CLP,” said Das Munshi. The decision came after a nine-day deadlock involving a fierce three-way contest among senior leaders VD Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala and AICC General Secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. After the party High Command named Satheesan as the next Chief Minister, celebrations broke out across Kerala. Satheesan was at the Cantonment House in Thiruvananthapuram, the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition, when AICC leaders formally announced the decision in New Delhi. Minutes after the announcement, supporters erupted in celebration, bursting crackers and distributing sweets in several parts of the state. Paravur in Ernakulam district, the Assembly constituency represented by Satheesan since 2001, witnessed particularly grand celebrations, with party workers and residents taking to the streets to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal said he accepts the party decision to select V D Satheesan as the chief minister of Kerala and congratulated him. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Venugopal said he will provide all support to the CM and the UDF government in Kerala. Citadel S2 delivers style; Daadi Ki Shaadi lacks spark _ RoughCut _ Kaveree Bamzai The announcement, originally scheduled in Thiruvananthapuram at the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting, was moved to New Delhi at the last moment. Sources said the change came after senior party leader Rahul Gandhi held an extended meeting with AICC general secretary (organisation) K.C Venugopal, one of the top contenders for the Chief Minister’s post, in the morning. AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi was also present at the meeting. Party sources said the meeting was intended to reach a consensus among all factions before publicly announcing the decision. Rahul Gandhi and the party high command were keen to avoid an open confrontation between supporters of the three leaders, which could have weakened the party’s unity in the early days of the new government. The party reached the decision after multiple rounds of meetings with newly elected MLAs, former Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) presidents, working presidents, and senior state leaders. Satheesan, the former Opposition leader who spearheaded election campaigns and took a vocal stand against the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government, emerged as the consensus candidate. Sources said the leadership was mindful of his popularity across sections of society and his approachability, which tipped the balance in his favour. While Venugopal, considered a close confidant of Rahul Gandhi, enjoyed the support of a majority of Congress MLAs and MPs, Satheesan also had the backing of influential UDF allies, including the IUML. Although Venugopal appeared to be the frontrunner in the initial rounds, sources said the Satheesan camp gained an edge during the leadership’s final round of consultations. Senior leaders such as AK Antony, VM Sudheeran, and K Muraleedharan reportedly urged the leadership to take public sentiment into account, which favoured Satheesan. On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi also held another round of phone calls with Congress MPs to gauge their views on the situation. It was learnt that Priyanka Gandhi, MP from Wayanad, also urged Rahul Gandhi to consider the prevailing political atmosphere before finalising the Chief Ministerial choice. Sources said the leadership was particularly concerned about the firm stand taken by the Muslim League, the UDF’s key ally, which openly supported Satheesan. The development put the leadership in a difficult position, as it anticipated setbacks in the upcoming bypolls and the 2029 general elections. At the same time, the party was keen to avoid the perception of yielding to pressure from its allies. Satheesan’s camp raised concerns that appointing Venugopal would force the UDF to face two by-elections, one to elect him to the Assembly and another for the Alappuzha Lok Sabha seat currently represented by him. According to them, such a move could be politically risky in the state at present. The Congress leadership had been facing mounting pressure to finalise a chief ministerial candidate following the May 4 Assembly election results, in which the party secured a historic mandate of 102 seats. The delay also exposed sharp internal divisions within the party and its allies. Preetha Nair Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
New York: Support Bill to end caste discrimination, campaign intensifies
Last week, May 6, the move to get caste equity bills pushed in New York state, received a push with a group of 50+ inter-faith coalitions, led by Dalit leaders and advocates met with several legislators May 6, last Wednesday, the campaign to get caste equity bills pushed through as legislation in New York state received a boost with a group of 50+ inter-faith coalitions, led by Dalit leaders and advocates meeting several legislators. Meetings took place that day in Albany, the state capitol of New York to meet with legislators to support A6290/S6531 — the caste equity bills in New York! As a group of 50+ interfaith coalitions, led by Dalit leaders and advocates met with several legislators, many of whom instantly agreed to support this bill, understanding why caste equity is so important in New York State. One key meeting was with Senator James Sanders who helped introduce this bill last year, and who spoke with immense power about the need to recognise the solidarity between Black folks and Dalit communities. “Anyone who is against this [bill] doesn’t know your own history”, he said! Ms. Swati Sawant who has been working on this bill for over three years gifted him a statue of Babasaheb and explained the connection between Black and Dalit shared histories. Iconic writer and campaigner, Yashica Dutt, whose 2024 published Coming Out as a Dalit, is a powerful individual account that throws a spotlight on systemic injustice in India and its growing impact on US society, took a leading part in this campaigning effort. Writing about this on her Facebook-meta page, Yashica said that she documented that day in detail “for a video to be produced later.” She also spoke about her book Coming Out as Dalit and talked about how it points to the existence of caste, right here in the United States. The campaign has asked all those who live in New York to support A6290/S6531! Besides, at the click of a button, any person can send their letter to their New York State lawmaker in less than a minute — SabrangIndia had previously reported, how in July 2025, the US District Court for the Eastern District of California in its ruling on July 18, in response to an allegation by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) that had claimed that the California civil rights department’s enforcement of anti-caste policies violated the “constitutional rights of all Hindu Americans,” dismissed HAF’s contention. HAF had attempted arguments to the effect that the California civil rights department’s enforcement of anti-caste policies violated the “constitutional rights of all Hindu Americans.” This claim had been dismissed by a US District Court. Academics and civil rights activists had then too welcomed a landmark judgment by a US federal court upholding the California civil rights department’s constitutional authority to defence caste-oppressed individuals through state action. Courtesy : Sabrang India Note: This news is originally published on https:/sabrangindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘I felt like I was breathing my last’: Dalit brothers attacked for ‘drinking water’ at a wedding in Uttarakhand
“They asked Rakesh why he was there and slapped him. When Rakesh told my brother that the family members had beaten him…” Two Dalit brothers were allegedly attacked and subjected to casteist slurs during a wedding ceremony in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a dispute over drinking water from a water pot. According to the Indian Express report, one of the brothers has filed a complaint, but an FIR has not yet been registered. Police say the matter is being investigated. According to the complaint filed by Umesh Tamta, his brother Shubham and relatives Rakesh Arya and Ajay Arya had gone to operate the DJ system at a wedding in Deval Malla village on Sunday night. When Rakesh Arya went to drink water from a water pot, he was allegedly attacked by the groom’s family. Tamta told the Indian Express, “They asked Rakesh why he was there and slapped him. When Rakesh told my brother that his family members had beaten him, Shubham went to the house to talk to them. He slapped a young man present there, after which the young man called his uncle and friends and started attacking Shubham. Caste-related abuses were also hurled at him.” Shubham was reportedly kicked and punched on his face and body and is currently hospitalized. When Tamta learned of the incident, he rushed to the spot, where he was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon on his head. Tamta alleged, “I asked them why they were beating my brother. They said Shubham had hit his brother and then attacked my head with a rod. While my head was bleeding, another man tried to strangle me. I pleaded with them to stop, and I felt like I was breathing my last. Then someone intervened and stopped them. We were also subjected to casteist abuse.” The family claims that Tamta suffered a serious head injury, while his brother suffered a spinal fracture. Both have been admitted to a private hospital in the city. The complaint seeks action under sections of the attempt to murder and the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Following the incident, local residents and Tamta’s family protested outside the police station, demanding the arrest of the accused. Police said the matter is being investigated and a counter-complaint has been received from the other party, alleging that their mother was injured in the incident. Officials from the Kathgodam police station said four people have been detained under Section 172 of the BNSS. Police said, “We are investigating the incident and statements from both parties have been recorded. We are trying to determine what led to the incident and whether the violence was caste-based.” Courtesy: Hindi News
Sikar News: ‘Entered the house and mistreated’, 10-15 people assaulted a Dalit woman
A case of assault and mistreatment of a Dalit family has come to light in Chatur Ki Dhani, Nangal, Gram Panchayat Dunga, Neemkathana area of Sikar district. The victim’s family and villagers demanded the immediate arrest of the accused from Prem Singh Bajor, Chairman of the Sainik Welfare Advisory Committee. Sikar News: Demand for action against the accused in the case of assault on a Dalit family in Chatur Ki Dhani, Nangal, Gram Panchayat Dunga, Neemkathana, Sikar district, Rajasthan. The victim’s family and villagers met with Prem Singh Bajor, Chairman of the Sainik Welfare Advisory Committee, and informed him about the entire incident. They also submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the accused. Caste-based slurs were hurled at them. The victim, Santosh Devi, stated that she was working outside her house when about 10 to 15 people came and abused her and then assaulted her. They allege that the mine owner unnecessarily harasses them, hurling caste-based slurs at them, and assaulting them. Villagers reported that there is a mine in Dhani, where the mine owner brings in anti-social elements to assault and abuse Dalit women. They face unnecessary harassment on a daily basis. Assault on Women Today, they met with Prem Singh Bajor, Chairman of the Sainik Welfare Advisory Committee, regarding the incident of the mine owner summoning miscreants to assault women two days ago. The villagers stated that heavy blasting occurs on this lease, just 10 meters from the inhabited area, which has caused cracks in their houses and stones are thrown into their homes every day, posing a threat of loss of life and property. Furthermore, miscreants also engage in daily acts of bullying and abuse and assault in these lease areas. They even enter homes and misbehave and assault women. Incidents of assault against women were also reported on the 10th. A case was registered at the Patan police station. Edited by Sneha Aggarwal, Reported by Ashok Singh Shekhawat Courtesy: Hindi News
Kushinagar News: Life imprisonment for man accused of raping a mentally challenged Dalit girl
Padrauna. The court of Special Judge SC-ST Act, Ifraq Ahmed, sentenced a man convicted of raping and assaulting a mentally challenged Dalit girl to life imprisonment. He also imposed a fine of ₹56,500. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional one year of imprisonment. Half of the fine will be given to the victim as compensation. The verdict states that a case of rape and assault of a mentally challenged Dalit girl was registered at the Kasya police station in 2019 based on a complaint from the victim’s uncle. On January 30, 2019, the girl had gone to the garden to graze goats. Ramnath Patel, son of Bhuteli Patel, resident of Nadah police station, Kasya, raped her and assaulted her when she resisted. The victim came to know about the incident upon returning home. The investigating officer filed a charge sheet against the accused, Ramnath Patel, in the court under sections of rape, the SC-ST Act, and assault. The plaintiff died during the trial. The victim’s parents had already passed away. A total of seven witnesses, including the plaintiff’s wife, were examined. The court found Ramnath Patel guilty of rape, violations of the SC/ST Act, and assault. He was sentenced on Wednesday. The accused was arrested after the case was registered and was later released on bail. After the verdict on Wednesday, the court sent him back to jail. Courtesy: Hindi News
Tamil Nadu-born trans politician is now in Scottish Parliament. They went there on student visa
Q Manivannan hails from a lower-caste family in Tamil Nadu. They studied at OP Jindal Global University and completed their master’s degree in international peace studies in Dublin. New Delhi: Q Manivannan, a Tamil Nadu-born trans person, has been elected to the Scottish Parliament from the Scottish Green Party in the recent elections held on 7 May. Manivannan’s election marks a historic moment for representation in Scotland’s political landscape, particularly for the LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, reported The Sunday Guardian. Mannivannan was also active in local Edinburgh politics before being elected to Holyrood as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Their election is drawing attention since they have a student visa and were reportedly trying to raise £2,089 for a temporary graduate visa. Once they save up from their MSP salary of £77,711 per annum, they plan to apply for a global talent visa, which the UK offers to promising individuals. From India to Scotland Mannivannan studied at OP Jindal Global University, completed their master’s degree in international peace studies at Trinity College Dublin, and moved to Scotland in 2021 for doctoral research at the University of St Andrews. “I am a transgender Tamil immigrant, my pronouns are they/them. I am to some in this country everything that the hateful despise, and I am standing here as your MSP now with care,” Mannivan told the crowds at Edinburgh, reported The Telegraph. They added that they come from a lower-caste family in Tamil Nadu and had seen similar movements of resistance in Scotland. They said that they felt a strong connection with the region’s history of social and ecological justice. “I want to continue standing unwaveringly for solidarity for oppressed communities – whether its immigrants or asylum-seekers in Edinburgh… or suffering Palestinians,” Manivannan added. Visa woes Manivannan’s election was only possible after the Scottish National Parliament relaxed the rules around who could be a Holyrood candidate. Earlier, foreigners could become MSPs only if they were allowed to remain indefinitely in the UK. However, with the recent change in legislation, candidates can qualify for MSPs even with short-term visas, such as those of a student. “Q is on a valid visa with the right to work and live in Scotland, and is a Commonwealth citizen. The UK’s visa system is needlessly expensive and hostile, and we are determined to replace it with one that welcomes people with care rather than throwing up hurdles and barriers,” a Scottish Greens spokesperson told The Telegraph. Janaki Pande (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav) Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https:/theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
NEET cancellation: Opposition takes on Centre, says ‘amrit kaal’ has turned into ‘vish kaal’
Rahul Gandhi said the hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been “crushed by this corrupt BJP regime”. NEW DELHI: Several opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday slammed the government after the cancellation of the NEET-UG examination, alleging administrative failure and insensitivity toward students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘amrit kaal’ has turned into a ‘vish kaal’ (poison-filled era) for the country, they added. Gandhi said the hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been “crushed by this corrupt BJP regime”. In a post on X, Gandhi said, “The NEET 2026 examination has been cancelled. The hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of more than 22 lakh students have been crushed by this corrupt BJP regime. Some fathers took loans, some mothers sold their jewellery, lakhs of children stayed up all night studying, and in return, they got paper leaks, government negligence, and organised corruption in education.” “This is not just a failure—it’s a crime against the future of the youth,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said. CPM Rajya Sabha member John Brittas said repeated failures in national examinations were eroding public trust in the system. “NEET cancellation is yet another blow to lakhs of students who put in years of hard work. Repeated failures in national exams are destroying trust in the system. The government must fix this broken process,” he said in his X post. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said affected students will have to resort to mass protests as the government only understands the language of agitation. At a press conference, he alleged “political patronage” in paper leaks, saying the NEET question paper was leaked four times in the past nine years and none of the accused were punished. RJD Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha also attacked the NTA. “Do anything but first dismantle NTA, NEET,” he said on X. “Have you ever thought about the impact on students coming from ordinary backgrounds? The CBI probe is an eyewash,” he said. Preetha Nair Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights