UP Government is Going to Issue Ration Card to Transgenders

Ration Card to Transgenders in UP: In an important step towards including everyone in society, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has decided to give ration cards to transgender people. This step will help the transgender community get food at low cost through the National Food Security Act, 2013, which gives food support to needy people.

This decision also follows the rules of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. This law says that transgender people have the right to live with respect, choose their gender identity, and get benefits from government schemes. The Allahabad High Court also said that transgender people should not be kept away from the benefits of the National Food Security Act. This makes the government’s decision even stronger and legally correct.

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Why Is This Important?

Historically, transgenders have faced challenges in accessing basic welfare schemes, including food security.The absence of ration cards has often led to their exclusion from government provided food grains and other essential commodities. By issuing ration cards, the UP government seeks to bridge this gap and promote social and economic inclusion for the transgender community.

About Trangender Community in Uttar Pradesh 

The Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board has informed the government that many transgender people do not have permanent jobs and are left out of important government schemes. They face social discrimination, which makes their situation even harder. Because of this, they often don’t get access to basic needs like food, pensions, and healthcare. This lack of support affects their daily life and well-being. The government is now taking steps to help improve their condition.

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Intervention of Chief Minister of UP

After seeing the report, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh took quick action. He said that the process of giving ration cards to transgender people should be easy, fast, and clear. This work should be finished before the state starts its 'Zero Poverty' program. All districts have been told to find transgender people who don’t have ration cards and help them get one. These people will be added to the 'eligible household' group so they can get benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

 What is  National Food Security Act (NFSA) 

The National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 is a law that helps poor people get food at low prices. Under this act, eligible families receive wheat, rice, and other grains every month through ration shops. The goal is to make sure that no one goes hungry and everyone gets enough to eat. It mainly supports poor families, women, children, and other needy groups.

• Eligibility

This act covers households living below the poverty line (BPL) and provides food to vulnerable groups like pregnant women, children, and elderly citizens.

• Provision

Under the NFSA, eligible families get wheat at Rs. 2/kg, rice at Rs. 3/kg, and other grains at ₹1/kg every month from ration shops. Special provisions are also made for free meals and nutritional support to children and pregnant women.

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