PANJIM: The upcoming February 14 polls, Goa will see transgender and sex workers exercising their right to vote.
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Kunal said a special drive to enrol sex workers and transgender into the electoral roll was held. So far, four transgenders, all in South Goa, have been certified and have got themselves enrolled.
CEO Kunal said as per latest Supreme Court directions, the eligible sex workers should be provided with voter ID, without revealing their profession.
Accordingly, Kunal said, “NGOs working in the field of rescue and rehabilitation of sex workers were roped in, to get these voters enrolled. “The process of scrutiny is on,” he said.
“The electoral roll will be freezed on January 28 and we will have clear picture,” Kunal said.
Kunal said, “ARZ which has been actively working with victims of commercial sexual exploitation is happy that Goa Election Office has enrolled sex workers. This includes both females and transgenders and this is the first time, the latter has been enrolled in Goa as voters.”
“We are happy that the Goa government is seriously implementing Supreme Court directions that wherein the government is expected to make EPIC cards, Aadhaar Cards and ration cards of the sex workers. ARZ has been pursuing with the authorities and in its work towards this sector, along with CEO and South Goa Collector. So far 40 are registered,” Arun Pandey, Director, NGO ARZ
“Supreme Court has ruled that transgenders and sex workers should be given all rights. And they deserve it. They are also human beings. They have all rights just like you and me. This is a great step taken by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO),” said Tara Kerkar, Chief, Savera NGO.
“Every citizen has the right to vote and no one should be deprived of that right based on gender. If any citizen, be it transgender or sex worker, fulfils the criteria of being a voter, then they have right to vote,” Sabina Martins, Convenor, Bailancho Saad.
