Delhi Government Advancing Free Bus Travel for Transgender Persons

The Delhi government announced that its proposal to provide free travel for transgender persons on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses is progressing and awaits Cabinet approval. This information was conveyed to the Delhi High Court during a hearing related to a contempt petition, where the government filed an affidavit detailing the current status of the proposal.

In the affidavit presented by the Joint Commissioner of the Transport Department, the government mentioned that a draft Cabinet note for free bus passes for transgender individuals has been submitted to Pankaj Kumar Singh, the Transport Minister. The minister has since returned the file, instructing the department to model the scheme after the existing program for women, which issues pink tickets. The department is revising the plan accordingly and anticipates submission within a week.

Legal Background and Community Impact

The legal proceedings stem from a contempt petition alleging “willful disobedience” of an October 2022 order from a Division Bench of the High Court. This order directed authorities to reach a decision within four months regarding the proposal to extend free bus travel to the transgender community and to recognize them as a “third gender” in ticket classifications. Activist Amit Juyal filed a public interest litigation that highlighted the limited ticket options available, which only included “male” and “female” categories.

Juyal expressed concern over the prolonged delays, stating that they have caused “undue hardship” for the transgender community. The High Court had previously cautioned the DTC against “protracted inaction” during a hearing in April 2023.

Next Steps and Community Expectations

The government’s commitment to revising the proposal reflects an ongoing effort to improve accessibility for the transgender community in public transport. The anticipated submission of the revised plan is a significant step forward, aiming to address the concerns raised in the October 2022 order and subsequent hearings.

As the situation develops, the transgender community and advocates await the Cabinet’s decision on this vital initiative, which holds the potential to enhance mobility and inclusivity in Delhi’s public transportation system. The outcome will not only affect daily commuters but also symbolize a broader recognition of the rights and identities of transgender individuals within society.