E-Paper
Govt framing rules for protection of transgender rights: Asim Arun
Replying to Samajwadi Party MLA Sachin Yadav’s question on the government’s plans for a policy to help transgender persons become self-reliant, the minister said they are “fully sensitive and committed” to safeguarding the rights of the transgender community and integrating them into the mainstream.
The process of framing rules for the protection of transgender rights in Uttar Pradesh is underway, social welfare minister Asim Arun informed the assembly on the fourth day of the budget session on Thursday.
Replying to Samajwadi Party MLA Sachin Yadav’s question on the government’s plans for a policy to help transgender persons become self-reliant, the minister said they are “fully sensitive and committed” to safeguarding the rights of the transgender community and integrating them into the mainstream.
The minister said action is in progress to notify the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2026 under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
“Identification of transgender persons is a key focus area and the government has initiated the issuance of identity cards through the National Portal for Transgender Persons to ensure easier access to welfare schemes. We are providing Ayushman health cards to members of the community who register on the portal,” Arun said.
He added that the social welfare department has set up call centres to address their grievances and the staff comprises transgenders so that the issues can be clearly understood. He noted that Transgender Protection Cells have been established in every district and at police stations, and a state-level Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board constituted for effective implementation of welfare measures.
With the support of the Centre and through NGOs, shelter homes have been set up in Gorakhpur, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Basti districts to provide accommodation and skill training to transgender persons, Arun said, adding efforts are underway to establish similar facilities in other districts.
“Some sections of the community follow the traditional ‘dera’ system and the government has strengthened civic amenities, including internet, in such settlements while also promoting their integration into mainstream education and employment,” he explained.
Earlier, Sachin Yadav raised the issue, alleging that of the estimated 1.37 lakh transgender persons in the state, 96% face discrimination and social neglect. He also accused the government of not paying adequate attention to their concerns, with very few members of the community enrolled in schools and colleges across the state.
The minister thanked the member for raising the issue, saying the transgender community has historically remained marginalised. However, he said the allegation that the government was not taking steps for their welfare was “not entirely correct,” asserting that several measures are already being implemented.
Speaker Satish Mahana also appreciated Yadav for raising the issue of transgenders.
