Vote to shape democracy: CEO urges transgenders

Chandigarh: Punjab chief election officer (CEO) S

Karuna Raju

on Thursday appealed to the transgenders to participate in the upcoming state assembly polls for shaping the democracy.The CEO called transgenders an important part of the society while holding a virtual meeting with representatives of the community to chalk out strategy for 100% enrolment of eligible transgender electors so that they can exercise their franchise. Yashwinder Singh and

Manoj Benjwal

from The Humsafar Trust,

Smriti Acharya

and Archana Shetty from Netreach,

Mohini Mahant

and Madan from Mansa Foundation participated in the meeting. The CEO also suggested to appoint district coordinators from the transgender community in each district to help in making voter identity cards and encourage them to use their right. He assured that the transgenders would face no hassle in making their voter ID cards since the Election Commission has also simplified the documentation process. In absence of address proof, transgenders can register themselves as voters just by giving an undertaking, he added.