Centre Issues Notice To Ensure Transgender Persons Are Not Discriminated During Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination for transgender people: The Centre has urged States to ensure a discrimination-free vaccination at COVID-19 vaccination centres, especially against the transgender community. Special attempts to be taken to conduct awareness drives to reach out to the community, as per the government order.

According to a statement by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, a separate letter has been addressed to the principal secretaries of all states, in respective languages, that urged them to ensure awareness among the transgender community about the vaccination process.

The Centre further asked states to ensure that there is no discrimination against transgender persons at COVID-19 vaccination centres.

The ministry additionally announced one-time financial assistance of Rs 1,500 for the community directing at those who have been affected adversely by the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has also asked states governments to organise separate mobile vaccination centres or booths for the vaccination of people of the community.

According to the statement issued on May 24, Monday, the ministry informed that it received crisis calls and emails seeking help and support in light of the current situation.

The statement read, "The ministry being the nodal ministry for transgender welfare, decided to provide an amount of Rs1,500 each to transgender persons as immediate support to meet their basic requirements."

The information about this aid will be spread by Non-government organisations and community-based organisations (CBO) working for transgender persons.

According to a report, a special helpline has been started by the ministry that will aim at improving problems related to mental health by a professional psychologist. Helpline number 8882133897 will be functional from Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm.

How To Seek The Special Aid?

The financial assistance for a transgender person, or a CBO on their behalf, can be achieved by applying for the same after providing basic details, including the Aadhaar and bank account number. The form, available on the website of the National Institute of social defence, an autonomous body under the ministry, is to be submitted after providing the above mentioned necessary details.