The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the nodal ministry for transgender welfare, has decided to provide a subsistence allowance of Rs 1500 to each transgender person as immediate support to meet their basic requirements. This financial assistance will help the Transgender community to meet their day-to-day needs. NGOs and community-based organisations(CBOs) working for transgender persons have been asked to spread awareness about this step. The last day to apply for this assitance is 31st May 2021. 

As the country is fighting with Covid-19, members of the Transgender community have been critically affected by the pandemic majorly because of serious disruption of livelihoods. The current situation in the country is compelling this marginalized community into extreme distress and an acute shortage of basic needs like food and health. Distressing calls and emails have been made by the members of the transgender community seeking government help and support in light of the current situation.

Any transgender person or CBOs on behalf of the transgender person can apply for financial assistance after providing basic details, Aadhar, and Bank Account number in a google form created by the ministry. The form is available on the website of the National Institute of Social Defence, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
 
The Ministry provided similar financial assistance and ration kits to Transgender persons during lockdown last year too. A total amount of 98.50 lakh rupees was incurred which benefitted nearly 7000 Transgender Persons across the country.

The ministry has also announced a free helpline 8882133897 for distressed transgender persons owing to the current pandemic for psychological support and mental health care.