MCD plans pension scheme for eunuchs

Next time a eunuch comes to you, they may not be begging for money. A proposal with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) suggests that the community’s members could be employed for tax collection.

Next time a eunuch comes to you, they may not be begging for money. A proposal with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) suggests that the community’s members could be employed for tax collection.

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There is also a plan to give them an allowance of Rs 1,000 per month.

The proposal was floated by Municipal Councillor Malti Verma in the budget discussion meeting of the civic agency on Monday. “If we can provide monetary allowance to widows, handicapped persons, as they don’t have a regular source of income, then why not eunuchs?” said Malti Verma, a BJP councillor from Naraina. “They take to begging which borders on extortion many times. We are the public’s representative and need to do our bit too.”

If the proposal is accepted, eunuchs in the city will have to get registered with the civic agency to be eligible for the allowance.

Till now, the MCD’s pension schemes have covered the physically challenged, visually impaired, widows and the elderly.

Verma also suggested that the eunuchs could be employed for tax collection, as is the practice in Pakistan.

“Not only in Pakistan, but also in Indian cities like Bhopal, their help is taken for tax collection,” she said. “We can also get similar benefits by using their services.”

Verma said this would give them employment and also help in tax collection.

Recently, the civic agency had planned to provide financial assistance to orphans who were under 24 years and without any livelihood support.

The proposal is yet to be implemented.