Punjab to chalk out plan on transgender issues

To empower and uplift the transgender community, the Punjab Government will chalk out a "collective inter-department strategy" to implement the Supreme Court directives on issues related to them.
All departments have been directed to submit a plan of action report concerning their contribution and policies to move beyond the gender binary system, an official release said here today.
Divulging details of the Supreme Court's recommendations, the release said on education front transgender children will be provided with scholarships, fee waivers, free textbooks and other facilities at subsidised rates.
Content on transgenders as a concept and issues related to them will be included in school curriculum.

Educational institutions/universities will have to establish an anti-discrimination cell, sensitise students and staff towards the same while Aanganwadi Centers and Self-Help groups can help parents of gender non-conforming youth with necessary information.
On the employment sector, the state will establish vocational training centres and a helpline for career guidance. Loans at 25 per cent subsidies to facilitate venture setups and pension schemes would be initiated.

To help cope with trauma and violence transgender face, state counselling services will also be initiated.
Disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate the human rights, dignity and right to self-determination of transgender community members.

"State will support and collaborate with NGOs working towards transgender empowerment," the release said.
"Sexual assault, harassment, gender identity based slurs, hate crimes and alleged excesses by police will all be covered under various sections of the IPC," the release said.
"Punjab Government aims to bridge the gap between legal directives and social practices by ensuring that members of the transgender community are no longer relegated to the fringes of society but get uplifted and empowered," the release said.