Recently one RTI has been filed by me in which I have raised various queries before “Ministry of Social Justice and empowerment with respect to the transgenders. It is surprising to know that ministry does not have any data which can show that which state is doing fairly well for the upliftment of Transgender community. Judgements have been passed, law has been enacted but people are still scared to come out with their true identity in the society.

1. What is the total population of Third gender till date.
   Ans:- The Population of Transgender as per census is 4,87,203.
   
   
2. What are the schemes running for them for their upliftment and for rehabilitation?
   Ans:- The Ministry is in process of a comprehensive scheme for the welfare of Transgender persons which will take some time.
   
   
3. In which state, Third gender situation is worse and which state has set an example after taking care about them.
   Ans:- This data is not available, but all states are taking care of TG persons according
   to their Welfare schemes and resources they have.
   
   
4. What are the future plans for third gender for their betterment of life.
   Ans:- SGGESTED COMPONENTS FOR WELFARE SCHEMES (in future): -

ACCESS TO HEALTH:-

• At least 1 government hospital in every State to be equipped to offer safe and free gender affirming surgery, counselling and hormone replacement therapy.
• State medical insurance to cover procedures of SRS, hormonal therapy, laser therapy, counselling and other health issues of transgender persons at private hospitals.
• Medical insurance/arogyashri cards.
• All healthcare facilities to ensure that that there are separate wards/ beds for transgender persons.

ACCESS TO EDUCATION

• Scholarship for transgender students.
• Inclusive and equitable quality education in schools that fosters respect for equality and gender diversity.
• Protection against ragging in the educational institutions with provisions for grievance redressal Facilitation of accommodation and schooling for transgender, gender non conforming and intersex children in residential government schools and universities.

ACCESS TO HOUSING

• Shelter home Pilots affordable housing
• Shelters and community centres for at risk transgender youth that provide nutritious food and counselling.
• Access to sanitation facilities and safe drinking water WELFARE MEASURES.
• Universal access to Food security schemes and provision of ration cards Pension for aged, disabled or other vulnerable transgender persons.
• Old age and retirement homes for transgender persons facing housing exclusion Public transport to have harassment-free zones for transgender persons.

ECONOMIC SUPPORT

• Universal coverage of Life Insurance.
• Access to banking and financial services including loans.
• Explicit inclusion of transgender persons in employment guarantee schemes such as MNREGA and all social security schemes.
• Formation into self help groups for livelihood activities, Skill Development training Provisions of zero-interest and other micro-finance schemes.

Conclusion:-
Hope next time, whenever survey will takes place, more and more people will disclose their gender identity so that actual data can be fetched enabling the state government to take appropriate measures for the upliftment of the third gender. Love doesn’t have the language of gender.