Transgender population remains one of the most marginalised groups in the society. They become victim of stigmatization and exclusion by the society. Even their own family members view them as burden. Due to harassment and discrimination, they mostly drop out and remain away from education.
Lack of legal protection results in unemployment and abject poverty. Possessing identification documents has always been a challenge for the transgender community.
As an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of 47- Ambassa (ST) Assembly Constituency and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, one fine day transgender person Nupur Chakraborty came to the office for some government work. The person is the resident of Netaji Nagar area in Kulai Gram Panchayat in Ambassa Sub-Division of Dhalai District and informed that there are 6 more Transgender persons and they all are residing at Netaji Nagar just few kilo-meters from Ambassa, the District Headquarter of Dhalai District.
Nupur Chakraborty is the only transgender voter of Ambassa Assembly Constituency who could enrol herself in the Electoral Roll as a voter of Polling Station No. 16 Netaji Nagar Anganwadi Center.
Nupur Chakraborty acts as a Guardian/ Guru for the 6 other transgender persons- Jiban Sarkar, Jhumur Debnath, Suchi Ghosh, Putuli Debnath, Moni Chakraborty and Munni Sarkar. When Nupur Chakraborty was staying in Khejurbagan Ashram in Agartala, the responsibility was given to her to look after the 6 transgender persons. So, Nupur Chakraborty brought them to Netajinagar in Ambassa.
They have been living under the same roof since last 8 years. It is also learnt that the 6 transgender persons have tried to obtain legal documents like ration card, family register, Aadhar card, domicile and nationality certificates, but in vain. They also tried to enrol themselves as voters several times but could not succeed due to lack of sufficient documents to establish their identify like proof of being ordinary resident like ration Card or register of residents, and proof of nationality like Permanent Resident of Tripura Certificate.
Based on the inputs, Tehsildar of Ambassa was sent to inquire about their residence and problems in the locality. Tehsildar reported that the transgender persons were peacefully living with their guardian Nupur Chakraborty for the last 8 years at the same address.
I also tried to ascertain the reasons behind why certain documents could not be issued to them. On further enquiry, it was found that their parents had denied recognizing transgender people as their children, owing to social stigma and discrimination.
Under the above circumstances, suggestion was sought from the Chief Electoral Officer of Tripura- Kiran Gitte on how to proceed further. He then suggested certain measures in consultation with the Gram Panchayat and Block Development officer.
Accordingly, the Block Development Officer, Ambassa was asked to register their names in the Family Register of Netaji Nagar ward of Kulai Gram Panchayat. Based on the entry in the family register of Panchayat, Ration Card and Residential Proof Certificates were issued by the Office of Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Ambassa.
Thereafter, the Booth Level Officer was sent to their residence wherein he arranged to distribute and fill up Form-6 for inclusion of their names as a First Time Voters under Part 16 of 47-Ambassa (ST) Assembly Constituency. Accordingly, the concerned Assistant Electoral Registration Officer heard the applications and finally their names are enrolled in the voter list.
Now, the transgender persons are enrolled to exercise their democratic rights in the forthcoming election. They would also get ration card and other legal documents so that they can avail the benefits of welfare programs and reside with dignity.