Indian Express 02.02.2010
MCD considers a monthly allowance for eunuchs
Living on the fringes of society and having no substantial source of income, eunuchs in the city can now look forward to a steady monthly income from the city’s civic body. Finally waking up to their plight, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is mulling over a proposal to lend a helping hand by providing Rs 1,000 per month as a sort of ‘pension’ to all eunuchs in the Capital.
A proposal in this regard was floated by municipal councillor Malti Verma in the budget discussion meeting of the civic agency on Monday.
“If we can provide monetary allowance to widows and handicapped persons as they don’t have a regular source of income, why not eunuchs? They take to begging, which borders on extortion. We are the public’s representative and need to do our bit too,” said Malti Verma, a BJP councillor from Naraina.
If the proposal is accepted by the civic agency, eunuchs in the city will have to get themselves registered with the civic agency and will be eligible to a sum of Rs 1,000 per month. Till now, MCD’s pension schemes cover the physically challenged, the visually impaired, widows and the elderly, among others. The money is distributed through the municipal councillors every month. The councillor decides who all are eligible.
Verma further suggested that they should also be used to carry out tax collection activities as it is done in Pakistan. “In India too, cities like Bhopal take their help for tax collection. We can also get similar benefits by using their services,” she added. “Not only will they get employed but our tax collection will also increase substantially,” said Malti. Recently the civic agency had planned to provide financial assistance to orphans aged less than 24 years with no livelihood support. The proposal is yet to be implemented
