Widely Publicise Applicability Of COVID Relief Scheme To Transgender Persons: Manipur High Court Directs State Govt

The Manipur High Court last week directed the state government to ensure that it is made known to the general public that the benefit of the Chief Minister's COVID Affected Livelihood Support Scheme is also available to those households too wherein either a member of the main bread-earner is a transgender person.

The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice M. V. Muralidaran was hearing a plea filed by Thangjam Santa Singh, the secretary of All Manipur Nupi Maanbi Association (AMNMA), which is an association that works for the welfare of the transgender community in the State.

The scheme runs under the state's social welfare department and it was launched by Manipur's Chief Minister in August 2021.

Initially, the eligible beneficiaries who could seek financial assistance, as well as other benefits, included street vendors, farmers, daily wage workers, construction site workers, public transport drivers, school van drivers, shop assistants, artisans, weavers, performing artistes and home-based businessmen and others.

However, the Court had, in September 2021, ordered that the scheme be extended to Transgender persons and wide publicity be given to the same. 

Last week, it was informed to the Court that no steps have been taken by the State Government to publicize the fact that the subject scheme stands extended to cover households, wherein a transgender is either a member or the main bread-earner, and that it stood extended beyond 07.08.2021 so that eligible beneficiaries could submit their applications for appropriate benefit.

In view of this submission of the counsel for the petitioner, Ms. Jayna Kothari, the Court asked the Additional Advocate General, Manipur to get instructions in this regard.

Further, the Court directed the authorities concerned to ensure that it is made known to the general public that the scheme stands extended to cover those households wherein either a member or the main bread-earner is a transgender so that they can come forward to make their applications to avail appropriate benefit under the scheme before a stipulated date.

"The affidavit, in terms of the earlier order, shall be filed by the State authorities without fail by the next date of hearing with an advance copy to the counsel opposite", the Court directed.

With this, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on January 25, 2022.

Case title - Thangjam Santa Singh v. State of Manipur and others

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