Centre Extends Coronavirus Financial Package To Transgenders In The Country; Tamil Nadu Also Chips In

The Union government is extending a financial aid of Rs 1,500 each to all transgenders in the country to overcome problems faced by them due to the nationwide lockdown to tackle coronavirus (Covid-19).

The amount of Rs 1,500 is directly deposited into the account of the respective persons who have an Aadhaar card and a bank account or into accounts of those nominated by them.

According to beneficiary sources, they had to fill in a Google docs form and send it to the government.

At least 10 lakh estimated transgenders in the country are expected to benefit from this financial package.

The move comes on the heels of the government urging non-governmental organisations to identify and deliver services to vulnerable groups.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has undertaken the task of distributing aid to the beneficiaries.

In addition to the central government’s aid, the Tamil Nadu government is providing an additional Rs 1,000 to such beneficiaries.

Already the state government is providing a pension of Rs 1,000 a month to transgenders above the age of 40. Including this, those above 40 years of age will get Rs 3,500 for April.

Though the relief package may not be a big amount, it could provide some succour to many of the transgenders, who are seen as the most vulnerable during the nationwide lockdown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (14 April) announced the extension of the lockdown until 3 May. But he also said the restrictions, which would be enforced strictly the next seven days, could be relaxed gradually after 20 April.

So far, 10,363 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the country with 339 deaths from the pandemic being reported.