National Portal for Transgender Persons

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Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment e-launched a ‘National Portal for Transgender Persons’ and e-inaugurated a ‘Garima Greh

The key feature of the portal

• Through this portal transgender persons can apply for gender identity certificates online
• It helps the transgender person to get the I-Card without any physical interface and without having to visit any office
• Through the Portal, they can monitor the status of their application that ensures transparency in the process. 
• The issuing authorities are also under strict timelines to process the applications and issue certificates and identity cards without any necessary delays. 
• Once the Certificate and I-card are issued, the applicant can download them from the Portal itself. 
• In case of delay or rejection, the applicant has the options to submit grievances through the Portal which are forwarded to the concerned person and will be resolved at the earliest. 

Significance 

This portal will help a lot of people from the community to come forward and get Transgender Certificate and Identity Cards as per their self-perceived identity which is an important provision of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

• It was passed on 26 November 2019 and came into effect on 10th January 2020. It allows persons to self-perceive their gender identity, provides for the identification of transgender persons, and confers them with certain rights and benefits. 
• To implement the provisions of the Act the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment issued the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 
• The Rules specify the manner, form and process by which persons may be recognised as transgender.’
• The Rules ensure that comprehensive welfare measures reach the Transgender Community and help them come into the mainstream of the Society. 
• The right to self-perceived gender identity and the procedure to issue the Transgender certificate and Identity card has been defined in the Rules.

Garima Greh

• The Minister also launched Garima Greh: A Shelter Home for Transgender Persons’in Vadodara, Gujarat
• It will run in association with Lakshya Trust, a Community based organisation entirely run by the Transgenders. 
• The purpose of the Shelter Home is to provide shelter to Transgender persons, with basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities. 
• Besides, it will provide support for the capacity-building/skill development of persons in the Community, which will enable them to lead a life of dignity and respect.