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Cabinet approves The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019
Why is it in the news?
- The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to introduce The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.
- The Bill will be introduced in the ensuing Session of Parliament.
- The Bill provides a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment.
More in the news.
- The Bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the mainstream of society.
- This will lead to inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society.
- Background:
(1) Transgender community is among one of the most marginalized communities in the country because they don’t fit into the stereotypical categories of gender of ‘men’ or ‘women’.
(2) Consequently, they face problems ranging from social exclusion to discrimination, lack of education facilities, unemployment, lack of medical facilities and so on.
(3) The Bill shall empower the transgender community socially, educationally and economically.
- Key Highlights of the Bill:(1) A transgender person must obtain a certificate of identity as proof of recognition of identity as a transgender person and to invoke rights under the Bill.(2) Such a certificate would be granted by the District Magistrate on the recommendation of a Screening Committee.(3) The Committee would comprise a medical officer, a psychologist or psychiatrist, a district welfare officer, a government official, and a transgender person.(4) The Bill prohibits discrimination against a transgender person in areas such as education, employment, and healthcare.(5) It directs the central and state governments to provide welfare schemes in these areas.(6) Offences like compelling a transgender person to beg, denial of access to a public place, physical and sexual abuse, etc. would attract up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine.
Source
PIB.