GUWAHATI: As the nationwide lockdown continues to be extended in phases, the livelihood of many, primarily the daily wage earners, stands uncertain. Among them is the transgender community.
Although many other daily workers have been allowed some relaxation in the third phase of the lockdown, the transgenders' means of earning have come to a complete halt. A recent case of deprivation even from the basic necessities of four such persons was reported from Lakhimpur District of Upper Assam.
The persons were starving as their regular source of income was cut short in the lockdown. Alternatively, they started working as domestic help, only to be abused and discriminated against, losing dignity.
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G Plus enquired about the situation of transgenders of the city, their means of survival in these times of pandemic. Swati Vidhan Baruah, lawyer and transgender activist said, "I have contacted the District administration of Lakhimpur after I heard about their situation. The administration has provided them with food materials, sanitizers and other essentials."
“In Guwahati, the DC of Kamrup (M) along with me and our members have been distributing food items and sanitizers amongst the community members every ten days. I have also taken up the matter with the Government of India, and the government has agreed to help the community in three phases,” Baruah added.
In the first phase, all transgenders that do not have any documents and bank details will be given a one-time ex gratia pension of Rs. 1500 per member. In the second phase, for members having bank details, Rs. 1500 will be directly credited to their account and in the third phase, all transgender persons, who could not be benefitted in the earlier phases will receive the financial help.
