DCW issues notice over LGBTQI+ community

Delhi, Sep 24 : The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Saturday issued a notice to the Social Welfare Department of the Delhi government seeking details of steps taken by it to ensure the welfare of the LGBTQI+ community.

The department has been asked to inform whether the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules 2020 has been notified in Delhi, a DCW statement stated.

In case it has not been done, the department has been asked to furnish the reasons for the delay and inform whether the Transgender Welfare Board been set up and, if not, the reasons thereof.

DCW chief Swati Maliwal said: “The LGBTQI+ community continues to face a lot of issues. Urgent steps must be taken by the government to ensure their rights and welfare. I have issued notices to the Social Welfare Department of Delhi government and all DMs, seeking information on the steps taken for the community.”

“It’s very disturbing to note that not even a single shelter home exists in the capital for transgenders. We will work on these issues to ensure a better life for the transgender community,” she added.

The Commission through its transgender cell regularly interacts with LGBTQI+ persons and assists them in resolving the problems being faced by them. However, the LGBTQI+ persons continue to face several issues in the country and even in the national capital.

The Commission has set up an enquiry into the issue of transgender certificates in Delhi.