Pension for transgenders in Himachal

Pratibha Chauhan

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 27

The number of transgenders in Himachal as reflected in the last census is merely 2,051 but the Virbhadra Singh Cabinet today took a big leap by placing this unrecognised category in its social security pension scheme, meant for the most vulnerable sections of society.

Following the Cabinet nod, all transgenders will now be entitled to a monthly pension of Rs 650.

“We are hopeful that by recognising the transgenders as a category in our social security pension scheme, they will be encouraged to come forward and we will get the real figures so that all benefits can accrue to them,” said Anuradha Thakur, Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment and Irrigation and Public Health.

The appreciation for her initiative came from the Chief Minister himself, who said it must be pushed through. Himachal is among the few states that have taken the lead in granting recognition to transgenders, many of whom lead a life of ignominy.

Despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that transgenders be recognised as a category, there are very few states that have made the effort to grant them benefits.