As the country is fighting with COVID19, members of the transgender community have been critically affected by the pandemic majorly because of serious disruption of livelihoods. The current situation in is compelling this marginalized community into extreme distress and acute shortage of basic needs like food and health.

Distressed calls and emails have been made by the members of the transgender community seeking government help and support in light of the current situation. The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment being the nodal ministry for transgender welfare has decided to provide a subsistence allowance of Rs.1500 to each transgender person as immediate support to meet their basic requirements. This financial assistance will help the transgender community to meet their day-to-day needs. NGOs and Community-based Organisations(CBOs) working for transgender persons have been asked to spread awareness about this step.

The ministry provided similar financial assistance and ration kits to transgender persons during lockdown last year too benefiting nearly 7000 transgender persons across the country.

A free helpline for distressed transgender persons owing to the current pandemic for psychological support and mental health care has also been announced by the ministry. (SAM)