Financial literacy programme for transgender held
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 23 2015:
A financial literacy cum zero balance bank account opening programme exclusively for transgender community under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was held at Khurai Thoidingjam Leikai in Imphal East on Sunday.
The programme was jointly organized by Centre for Advocacy and Research (CRAR), Manipur unit, All Manipur Nupi Manbi Association (AMANA) and Customer Service Point, State Bank of India, Paona Bazaar branch, Nagamapal Kangjabi, Imphal West District.
Speaking on the occasion, AMANA secretary Shanta Khurai said that transgender community members are marginalized because of their sexual disorientation and woman behavior.
Transgender avoids most public services and refuses to go by themselves for opening bank accounts because they suffer ill-treatment from other genders.
The secretary reiterated that even though the Supreme Court of India has given its verdict for recognition of transgender as separate gender, inclusion of transgender as a separate gender in the process of taking entitlements and services under various departments is still lacking.
Business Correspondent, Customer Service Point, SBI Paona Bazar branch, manager Moirangthem Vivek said there is no option for the transgender while opening bank accounts other than male or female.
Vivek further highlighted the benefits of zero balance bank account under PMJDY which include interest on depo-sits, accidental insurance cover of Rs 1.00 lack, no minimum balance required, easy transfer of money across India, beneficiaries of Government Schemes will get Direct Benefit Transfer in these accounts, after satisfaction operation of the account for 6 months an overdraft facility of Rs 5000 will be granted and access to pension to unorganized sectors through Swavalamban Yojana(National Pension System Lite) and other insurance products.