The rally with the theme 'Constitutional Rights for Transgender Individuals' concluded at 5 pm
The rally was organised to empower the community and create awareness on the legal and constitutional rights of transgender persons in India as well as to promote inclusivity, equality, and dignity
The rally will brought together activists, community members, allies, and key stakeholders from across the country to demand the implementation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution, including equality and non-discrimination
The event also highlighted pressing issues such as access to education, healthcare, employment, and social welfare schemes for transgender persons
The government and the judiciary has brought in some reforms for the inclusion of the community. However, more needs to be done
In August, the Central Government told the Supreme Court that a 'certificate of identity' issued by the district magistrate under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, will be treated as valid documentation for community members while applying for a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card
The apex court was hearing a plea filed by a transgender person from Bihar who had alleged that her attempt to link her PAN with the Aadhaar Card failed as the former has no 'third gender' option unlike the Aadhaar card
Six years ago, the government brought a legislation, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. However, it was met was severe criticism from the community members as well as activists and lawyers
The Act provides for punishment of up to two years for sexual abuse of transgender persons which is significantly less than the permission for sexual assault of women
Some other provisions in the law, such as criminalisation of begging, were removed after protests from the community
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