Uttar Pradesh Extends Old-Age Home Benefits to Transgender Citizens Above 60 (image-X/UNDP_India)
Lucknow. UP: The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced that transgender individuals aged above 60 will now be eligible for old-age home facilities and welfare benefits, including pensions, healthcare, nutritious food, and mental health support.
The Yogi Adityanath-led government said the scheme reflects “a sensitive and forward-looking vision” aimed at supporting a community that has historically faced neglect and discrimination.
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Under the new initiative, elderly transgender individuals will receive shelter in government-run old-age homes, monthly pensions, Ayushman Bharat health cards, regular medical check-ups, nutritious meals, and mental health counselling.
Community activities such as yoga, meditation, and access to libraries will also be part of the facilities to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
To ensure safety and address grievances of the transgender community, the state has set up Transgender Protection Cells in each district, monitored by the respective District Magistrates. A state-level Transgender Protection Cell has also been established for policy formulation and overall oversight. These cells aim to provide police protection, legal aid, and support for social rehabilitation in cases of harassment or violence.
The government also revealed that around 1,067 transgender identity cards have been issued to date, enabling access to various welfare schemes. Additionally, 248 transgender students have received scholarships to help them pursue mainstream education and work toward self-reliance.
The state government had earlier launched a dedicated Transgender Welfare Policy in 2021 and set up the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board to coordinate these efforts. That same year, the first “Garima Grih” shelter for transgenders was inaugurated in Gorakhpur, which provided housing, education, healthcare, and skill development training.
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Principal Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare, L Venkateshwarlu, reportedly stated that further schemes will be launched to support the social, economic, and psychological empowerment of the transgender community. He also emphasised the importance of expanding registration and conducting awareness drives, in collaboration with NGOs, to ensure maximum reach and impact.
“Efforts are being made to register as many transgender individuals as possible so they can benefit from government schemes. Awareness programmes will also be organised at the state level, with support from non-governmental organisations,” he added, according to the Hindustan Times.
