The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has announced one-time financial assistance of 1,500 rupees for transgender people whose livelihoods have been affected by the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. He also called on state governments to organize separate mobile vaccination centers or booths for vaccination of people in the community.

In a statement released on Monday, the ministry said it had received distress calls and letters asking for government help and support in light of the current situation. “The ministry being the nodal ministry for the well-being of transgender people decided to provide an amount of Rs1,500 each to transgender people as immediate support to meet their basic needs,” the statement said.

Non-governmental organizations and community organizations (CBOs) working for transgender people have been invited to publicize this support.

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To apply for this financial assistance, a transgender person, or a CBO on their behalf, can apply after providing the basic information which includes the Aadhaar and bank account number and submitting the form available on the National Institute website. of social defense, an autonomous body under the ministry.

The ministry has also written to senior secretaries in all states to ensure there is no discrimination against transgender people at Covid vaccination centers. They were also asked to carry out awareness campaigns to eradicate any hesitation about vaccination.

The ministry said a dedicated helpline has been set up for people with mental health issues, where they will be counseled by a professional psychologist. The helpline number 8882133897 is functional Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.