The Punjab Social Protection Authority (PSPA) has approved an ‘Equality Programme’ to provide monthly financial help to transgender persons across the province. Registration for the scheme will start from August 2 throughout Punjab.
Under the programme, transgender persons aged 40 years and above will be given monthly financial help of Rs3,000 and also be offered jobs in private companies in the province. On the other hand, all differently abled transgender persons between the ages of 18 and 40 years will be given financial help of Rs2,000 per month.
The PSPA officials said that registration for financial help can be done in all branches of Punjab banks in any city of the province. NADRA ID cards are required for the registration.
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The PSPA officials told The Express Tribune that arrangements had been finalised with Punjab Bank for registration for the programme, which is expected to be completed by August 31 after which transgender persons will be provided money online through mobile phones.
Meanwhile, a programme has also been prepared which will be launched in all 36 districts of Punjab to empower transgender persons. Under this scheme, transgender persons will be given training to become beauticians and electricians, acquire an expertise in sewing, embroidery and learn computer skills.
This scheme will be implemented in all major cities under the auspices of Punjab Literacy Department. The training and material used during the training will be provided free by the department.
Transgender people who want to open their own business after completing the training will be given interest-free loans.
The Literacy Department Project’s senior officer, Ijaz Hussain Shah, told The Express Tribune that a technical training centre had been set up and classes will start after admissions next month.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2021.
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