TheMaharashtragovernment has relaxed norms for third gender persons who are applying for a ration card and waived the requirement of submitting an identity proof and residence proof.
Under the new rules, the application of third gender people for ration cards will be considered if one of the following criteria are met: if they have their names registered in the state or city Aids control Society, if their names are on a voter ID card, even if it does not identify them as transgender persons. Their application will be considered if they are certified as transgender by the collector’s office, social welfare department or charity commissioner’s office. If they do not have these documents, they can also submit a self-declaration form identifying themselves as belonging to the third gender, the government resolution says.