On 11-7-2025, the Delhi Government notified the ‘Delhi Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2025’ to promote the social inclusion of transgender persons, raise public awareness about their rights, and facilitate access to welfare schemes in Delhi. These Rules came into effect on 11-7-2025.
Key Points of Delhi Transgender Persons Rules:
- These Rules, framed under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, aim to ensure legal recognition, promote social inclusion, enhance access to welfare programs, and eliminate discrimination against transgender individuals in Delhi.
- Sections 6 and 7 of the Act formally affirms the gender identity of transgender persons and open the door to essential entitlements and protections. These Rules aim to establish a streamlined process of issuing certificates of identity to transgender persons.
- Identity certificates will be issued by the District Magistrate based on a self-declaration affidavit, without medical or physical examination and such applications can be filed offline or online via the National Portal for Transgender Persons.
- Transgender persons will continue to receive all the benefits they were getting through an identity card issued by the State Authority, based on the new certificate of identity issued under these Rules.
- For minors, the application must be submitted by a parent or guardian. Individuals who officially changed their gender prior to the Act do not need to reapply.
- For individuals undergoing gender-affirming medical procedures, the Rules offer a pathway to apply for a revised certificate of identity with a medical certificate from the institution where treatment was received.
- The certificate issuance process is covered under the Delhi (Right of Citizen to Time Bound Delivery of Services) Act, 2011, ensuring timely processing and accountability.
- A Transgender Welfare Board will be established to coordinate policy and program implementation. It will include:
- Minister, Secretary, and Director of the Department of Social Welfare
- Representatives from key government departments
- District Social Welfare Officers
- Three non-governmental organizations (‘NGOs’)
- Three representatives from the transgender community
- A comprehensive policy framework will be formulated within 2 years to safeguard transgender rights, incorporating preventive measures and timely legal action against offenders. The Transgender Protection Cells will be established at the district and state levels to monitor and respond to violations.
- All establishments across Delhi will adopt measures to create a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace for transgender individuals by publishing an equal opportunity policy. This policy will outline infrastructure provisions such as unisex toilets, access to hygiene products, and secure transportation arrangements, while also ensuring the confidentiality of employees’ gender identity.
