The Delhi government has informed the High Court that its proposal to provide free travel for transgender individuals on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses is at an advanced stage, pending Cabinet approval. This communication took place during proceedings concerning a plea that sought civil contempt action against the government for alleged non-compliance with an October 2022 High Court order.
That previous directive had instructed authorities to decide within four months on a representation requesting the recognition of the transgender community as a “third gender” on bus tickets and the extension of free travel benefits. The petition had highlighted that current DTC tickets recognize only male and female categories, presenting difficulties for transgender persons.
Following the assumption of office by the Bharatiya Janata Party government in February, a draft Cabinet note for the free bus pass scheme was presented to Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh. The Minister subsequently returned the draft, requesting that the scheme mirror the existing free travel facility for women, which involves the issuance of pink tickets. The Transport Department is reportedly revising the proposal to incorporate this directive, with resubmission anticipated within a week.
Additionally, the court was apprised of reported instances where bus marshals allegedly mock transwomen who request pink tickets, accusing them of pretending to be women to access free travel.
Source: www.thehindu.com