So far, the Department of Elections, Punjab has been able to register 695 transgenders as registered voters. Earlier this number was limited in just two digits. The Department of Elections is striving hard to connect the dots to fill the gaps so that the hesitancy amongst the transgenders while connecting with government officials shall vanish, said Dr S Karuna Raju, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Punjab. He termed the transgender community as an important part of the society.
Dr. Raju accompanied by Additional CEO Amandeep Kaur was holding a virtual meeting with representatives of transgender community to chalk out strategy for 100% enrolment of eligible transgender electors so that they can exercise their franchise in the upcoming Assembly Elections, and beyond.
Yashwinder Singh and Manoj Benjwal from The Humsafar Trust, Smriti Acharya and Archana Shetty from Netreach, while, Mohini Mahant and Madan from Mansa Foundation participated in the meeting.
CEO Dr. Raju suggested appointing District Coordinators from the transgender community in each district, who will help in making Voter ID cards of their ilk besides encouraging them to use their voting right.
He assured that transgenders would face no hassle in making their Voter ID Cards since the Election Commission has also simplified the documentation process. In absence of address proof, transgenders can register themselves as voters just by giving an undertaking, he added.
Dr. Raju apprised that various activities under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program are being conducted to sensitize transgenders of their voting rights. “This time, we are creating awareness under the slogan ‘Mahila, Purush Atte Transgender, Loktantar Vich Sab Brabar’ to encourage third-gender voters to cast their votes,” he said.