Transgenders in India face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. While the country has made some strides in recognizing transgender rights and acknowledging the “third gender” category, discrimination and social stigmatization persist. Access to education, employment, and healthcare remains a challenge for many in the transgender community. Nonetheless, there have been positive developments, such as legal reforms and government initiatives aimed at improving transgender rights and welfare. One such scheme for transgenders was launched by the Himachal Pradesh Government i.e. Transgenders Pensions Scheme. In this article, we are going to learn about the scheme in detail.
What is the Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme?
The Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme is a welfare program introduced to offer support and uplift transgender individuals. Under this scheme, eligible transgender persons aged 18 and above, falling under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, receive a monthly pension of Rs. 650. Additionally, those transgender individuals who are either above 80 years of age or have a disability of 70% or more are entitled to a monthly pension of Rs. 1200. The primary goal of this scheme is to extend financial aid to transgender persons, ensuring their social security and overall wellbeing. Let’s talk about the scheme in detail.
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Key Highlights | |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Launch Date | October 26, 2016 |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Official Website | Click Here |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Objective | To extend financial aid to transgender persons, ensuring their social security and overall wellbeing. |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Beneficiaries | Trangenders of Himachal Pradesh |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Age Limit | Above 18 Years |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Pension Amount | Rs 650 Per Month (18 79 Years)Rs 1200 Per Month (Above 80 Years) |
| Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Helpline Number | Not Yet Launched |
Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Objective
The prime objective of the Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme is to support and provide for the transgender community of the state. To do that, the government has launched this scheme. Under this scheme, the transgender community above 18 years of age is eligible to get financial assistance every month based on the age group they fall into.
People between 18 and 79 years old are eligible to receive Rs 650 per month however, those who are 80 years or above are going to receive 1200 monthly through this scheme.
This scheme will not only make the transgender community financially independent but also make them confident about making decisions about themselves. It will reduce the financial burden as in many platforms they are welcome to work which makes them do things they do not like.
Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Eligibility Criteria
In order to apply for the Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme, it is advised to check the eligibility criteria in detail. Here are the complete eligibility criteria for the scheme.
- Residence Requirement: To qualify for the scheme, the applicant should be a resident of Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that the benefits are exclusively available to those living within the state’s boundaries.
- Age Restriction: Eligible individuals must be 18 years of age or older, signifying the necessity of reaching adulthood to be considered for the scheme.
- Below Poverty Line (BPL) Status: The applicant needs to fall within the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, which is an economic criterion to target financial assistance to those with limited financial resources.
- Transgender Identity Certificate: A crucial requirement is the possession of a transgender identity certificate issued by either the District Magistrate or SubDivisional Magistrate. This certificate verifies the individual’s transgender identity and is a prerequisite to access the scheme’s benefits, emphasizing the need for official recognition of one’s transgender status.
Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Documents Required
Before applying for the Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme, it is essential to check the complete documents that are required to apply for the scheme. Below is the complete list of Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Documents that are essential for the scheme.
- Medical Board Certificate: Applicants are required to furnish a certificate issued by a medical board. This certificate validates their eligibility for the scheme, often related to their age or disability status.
- Non-Government Employment: It’s essential that the applicant is not presently employed in the government or semi-government sectors. This criteria ensures that the scheme is primarily aimed at supporting those who are not already beneficiaries of government employment.
- Parivar Register Copy: A copy of the Parivar Register, a document that provides information about the family and its members, is typically required as part of the application process. This document aids in verifying the applicant’s family background.
- Aadhaar Card: Submission of an Aadhaar Card, which serves as a unique identification document in India, is a common requirement for identity verification.
- Bank Account Details: Applicants must provide their bank account details to facilitate the direct transfer of the pension amount into their account, ensuring a convenient and secure mode of disbursement.
- Declaration of No Other Pension: As part of the application process, the applicant is typically required to declare that they are not currently receiving any other pension. This declaration helps prevent double-dipping into pension benefits and ensures the scheme’s resources are distributed effectively.
Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme Apply Offline
The complete Application Procedure for the Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme will be done offline. It should be noted that you can apply for the scheme through offline procedures only. Here is the complete Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme application process that you need to follow in order to successfully apply for the scheme.
Application Form Collection: The interested applicant may procure the application form from either the District Social Welfare Officer or the relevant Tehsil Welfare Officer. These local government offices are equipped to provide the necessary forms.
Form Completion: The applicant should diligently complete the application form, ensuring that all information is accurate and up-to-date. In addition to the form, specific supporting documents must be provided. These documents typically include the Below Poverty Line (BPL) card, essential bank account details, and a valid transgender identity certificate.
Document Submission: Once the application form is duly filled, it should be submitted along with the aforementioned supporting documents to the respective authorities.
Verification and Processing: The submitted application undergoes a verification process by the relevant authorities. This verification process is essential to ensure that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria as set out in the scheme.
Pension Disbursement: Upon successful verification, the approved pension amount is disbursed to the beneficiary’s designated bank account. This financial assistance aims to provide economic support to eligible transgender individuals, promoting their well-being and financial security.
Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme FAQs
What is the Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme?
Himachal Pradesh Transgender Pension Scheme is a welfare program by the HP Government to support and provide for the transgender community of the state. Under this scheme, the transgender community above 18 years of age is eligible to get financial assistance every month based on the age group they fall into. People between 18 and 79 years old are eligible to receive Rs 650 per month however, those who are 80 years or above are going to receive 1200 monthly through this scheme
What is the age limit for eligibility under the Transgender Pension Scheme in Himachal Pradesh?
To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must be above 18 years of age.
What documents are required to apply for the Transgender Pension Scheme in Himachal Pradesh?
The necessary documents for application include:
Certificate from a Medical Board.
Proof of nonemployment in government or semi-government sectors.
Copy of the Parivar Register.
Aadhaar Card.
Bank Account details.
A declaration from the applicant confirming that they are not receiving any other pension.
What is the frequency of pension disbursement under this scheme?
The pension amount is disbursed on a monthly basis.
Who can I contact for more information about this scheme?
For additional information regarding the Transgender Pension Scheme in Himachal Pradesh, you can reach out to the District Social Welfare Officer or the respective Tehsil Welfare Officer. They are the designated authorities to provide guidance and assistance related to the scheme.
