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Arvind Kejriwal Announces Free Bus Travel for Transgender Community in Delhi. New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared on Monday that the transgender community in the city will now have access to free travel on DTC and cluster buses.
Highlighting the community’s often-overlooked status, Kejriwal emphasized their equal rights and the need for inclusion in society.
Kejriwal mentioned that the proposal is set for Cabinet approval, and the initiative will be implemented promptly.
Also Read: Free Bus Travel for Transgender Community in Delhi
Free Bus Travel for Transgender Community in Delhi: CM Delhi
Expressing his views in a tweet along with a video announcement, Kejriwal stated, “The transgender community is largely neglected in our social environment. This should not happen; they are also human beings and they also have equal rights.”
In the video, he acknowledged the historical lack of substantial measures for the transgender community, expressing hope that the decision to provide free bus travel would greatly benefit them.
In order to Free Bus Travel for Transgender Community in Delhi, Women in Delhi already enjoy free bus travel following the initiative that started in October 2019.
Earlier in the day, a senior Delhi transport department official revealed plans to extend the free travel facility to the transgender community, leveraging data from the social welfare department for identification.
Also Read: Free Bus Travel for Transgender Community in Delhi
High Court’s Deadline for Delhi Govt to Recognize Third Gender in Bus Travel
Last year, the Delhi High Court directed the city government to decide on recognizing the transgender community as the third gender in bus tickets. This decision followed a contempt plea highlighting the lack of action despite the court’s earlier order.
The petitioner, in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), called for the inclusion of the term “third gender” on bus tickets and complimentary travel for transgender individuals on DTC buses. The plea emphasized that no response had been received despite making a representation to the authorities in August 2022.
The Women and Child Development Department of the Delhi government had already implemented measures for the welfare of transgender people, including introducing a “third gender” category in job application forms and establishing monitoring cells to protect them from abuse.
According to the 2011 Census, the transgender community’s population in Delhi was recorded at 4,213, with only 1,176 individuals enrolled as voters.
(With PTI inputs)
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