Context (PIB): The National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) convened its pivotal meeting at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC).
The agenda was to confront the challenges faced by transgender people, encompassing issues concerning Education, Life with dignity, Health support, Opportunities for livelihood, and Skill enhancement.
Specific concerns raised included the necessity for unisex toilets, the establishment of shelter homes, the distribution of Ayushman Cards, and the provision of GarimaGreh.
National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP)
It is the statutory body primarily concerned with advising the government on all policy matters affecting transgender and intersex persons, as well as individuals with diverse GIESC (gender identity/expression and sex characteristics) identities.
The Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment leads the council.
It includes fourrepresentatives from the transgender community and one from the intersex community, each representing different regions (north, south, east, west, and northeast).
Several Joint Secretary-level ex-officio members from various governmental ministries also serve on the council, along with five expert members from non-governmental organisations.
National Portal for Transgender Persons
It is an initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The portal serves as a centralised platform to address the needs and rights of transgender individuals.
Components:
TG Certificate & ID Cards
GarimaGreh (Shelter Homes)
Skill Training
Medical Support
Recognition & Appreciation
GarimaGreh
It is a component of the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme.
It is launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in India.
GarimaGreh aims to provide shelter to destitute and abandoned transgender persons.
These shelter homes are geo-tagged for accessible locations by transgender individuals.
Any transgender person holding a TG certificate and ID card from the National Portal for Transgender Persons can visit these shelter homes for their holistic development.
It offers basic amenities such as food, medical care, and recreational facilities.
It supports capacity-building and skill development for transgender individuals.
It addresses the social stigma and marginalisation faced by the transgender community.
The SMILE scheme
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launches it.
It aims to rehabilitate poor and marginalised individuals by providing essential support for their livelihood and entrepreneurial endeavours.
The scheme includes two sub-schemes:
Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons.
Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging.
It covers a range of comprehensive measures, including Rehabilitation and medical facilities. Counselling, Education, Skill development, Economic linkages
Implementation involves collaboration with State Governments/UTs/Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
