Transgender Community in Uttar Pradesh Granted Access to Ayushman Card Benefits
In a significant development for social welfare, Uttar Pradesh Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun declared on Thursday that any transgender individual possessing a valid transgender card is now eligible for the Ayushman card. This initiative provides a cashless medical insurance cover worth Rs 5 lakh, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for the transgender community.
Question Hour Highlights Sensitive Issue
The announcement was made during the Question Hour in the state assembly, where Minister Arun responded to a supplementary question raised by Jakhai MLA Engineer Sachin Yadav from the Samajwadi Party. Yadav highlighted that approximately 1.37 lakh transgender people in the state are currently without medical insurance and urged for their inclusion under the Ayushman scheme.
Both Speaker Satish Mahana and Minister Arun praised Yadav for addressing such a sensitive and often overlooked issue. Arun noted that this was likely the first time in many years that a question regarding transgender welfare had been raised in the assembly, underscoring the importance of the discussion.
Low Uptake of Transgender Cards
Minister Arun revealed that, despite eligibility, only about 1,000 transgender individuals have obtained their transgender cards as mandated by the Union Government's Transgender Protection Act. He emphasized the need for greater awareness and sensitization within the community to encourage more people to apply for these cards.
To address this gap, the social welfare department has established a dedicated call center staffed by two transgender individuals. This initiative aims to provide support and guidance to the community, helping them navigate the process of obtaining transgender cards and accessing associated benefits like the Ayushman card.
Government Efforts and Future Steps
The minister's detailed and precise reply was commended by Speaker Mahana, reflecting the government's commitment to inclusive policies. The Ayushman card scheme, part of a broader effort to ensure healthcare equity, now explicitly includes transgender individuals, marking a step forward in social justice.
Efforts are ongoing to reach out to more transgender people across Uttar Pradesh, with the call center playing a crucial role in bridging communication gaps. The government aims to increase the number of cardholders, thereby expanding access to essential medical services and financial protection for this marginalized group.
