Bihar State Legal Services Authority Launches SITARA Scheme for Transgender Persons' Welfare

Under the leadership of Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, JAD-1, Patna High Court-cum-Executive Chairman, Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) unveiled the "Scheme for Integration of Transgender Persons and their Rehabilitation and providing Access to Justice), 2023" (SITARA, 2023) for the first time.The scheme aims to oversee the proper implementation of the Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Transgender Person (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020, while taking initiatives for the holistic welfare of transgender individuals.The launch ceremony, attended by members of the transgender community, BSLSA officers and staff, took place in both physical and online modes. Justice Singh emphasized the key principles of Integration, Rehabilitation, and Access to Justice for the transgender community during his address.Under Justice Singh's leadership, a recent meeting was convened with various state government departments to discuss issues related to the identification, skill development, and housing of transgender persons.Ms. Dhriti Jasleen Sharma, Joint Secretary and In-Charge Member Secretary of BSLSA, provided an overview of the SITARA Scheme and its implementation, expressing its benefits for the transgender community. Ms. Neha Niharika, Assistant Registrar, BSLSA, presented the program and extended a warm welcome.During the event, Ms. Reshma Prasad, a member of the National Council for Transgender Persons and founder of the NGO Dostana Safar, along with other transgender community members, shared their views and grievances, emphasizing the positive impact of the SITARA Scheme. It was lauded as a beacon of light during the festival of Diwali, signifying hope and progress.Moreover, Bihar State Legal Services Authority has officially recognized transgender persons as eligible for Free Legal Aid under Clause 19 of Bihar State Legal Services Authority Regulations, 1998, through an amendment in 2017. This move solidifies the commitment of the authority to uphold the rights and justice for the transgender community.Click Here to Watch the Launch Ceremony

Bihar State Legal Services Authority Launches SITARA Scheme for Transgender Persons' Welfare

Bhavya Singh

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