PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
The District Legal Services Authority organised a legal literacy and awareness camp in Gofiyara on Wednesday to protect and safeguard the rights and interests of the transgender individuals. The programme informed the transgender community about their constitutional and legal rights and encouraged them to live a life of equality and respect in society, said the organisers.
The Uttarkashi district secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Sachin Kumar provided detailed information to transgender individuals regarding their rights. He explained that thanks to the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court in 2014 in the case of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) vs Union of India, transgender individuals have been recognised as the third gender.
He stated that under the provisions of the Indian Constitution, transgender individuals have the same rights as other citizens, including access to education, employment, health services and free legal aid. He appealed to the society to ensure that transgender individuals are not discriminated against and are provided with respect and equal opportunities.
He also informed about the central government’s ‘SMILE’ scheme, stating that transgender individuals can register and receive benefits under various welfare schemes.
Aside from senior members of the legal fraternity, members of the transgender community along with other locals participated in the awareness camp.
