LGBTQ+ individuals can now open joint bank accounts: Centre clarifies 'no restrictions’
New Delhi: The Finance Ministry has announced that LGBTQ+ individuals now face no restrictions when opening joint bank accounts or nominating their partners as beneficiaries. This clarification was issued following a Supreme Court order dated October 17, 2023, in the case of Supriyo@Supriya Chakraborty and another vs Union of India.
On August 28, the Ministry released an advisory emphasizing that queer community members can open joint accounts and designate their partners as nominees. This step follows a clarification issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to all commercial banks on August 21.
The advisory also reflects the RBI's ongoing efforts since 2015, when banks were instructed to include a 'third gender' option in their forms, enabling transgender individuals to access banking services more easily. This initiative led to the introduction of services tailored to the transgender community by various banks.
One such example is the 'Rainbow Savings Account' scheme launched by ESAF Small Finance Bank Ltd in 2022, which offered exclusive benefits to transgender individuals.
In response to the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling, the Centre formed a six-member committee in April 2024, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, to address issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The committee is tasked with ensuring equal access to services and protection against discrimination, violence, and harassment.
For further details, the advisory has been shared on the official Twitter handle of the Department of Financial Services (DFS).
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Cyclone Fengal: Pondy govt issues heavy rain alert to residents via SMS
Puducherry (PTI): Puducherry experienced heavy rains on Saturday morning prompting the union territory administration to send SMS alerts to around 12 lakh residents cautioning them to remain vigilant as cyclonic storm Fengal is expected to make landfall near here later in the day.
District Collector A Kulothungan told PTI that all necessary steps have been taken to ensure that people remained safe.
"We have evacuated people from low lying areas and shelter homes are ready to accommodate them. Arrangements were also made to supply food packets," he said adding that National Disaster Relief Force from Arakonam has arrived to engage in relief and rehabilitation works.
According to the official, cyclone Fengal was expected to cross the coast in the evening. Control rooms have been opened in the collectorate and also in the line departments.
Toll free numbers 112, 1077 and also WhatsApp number 94889 81070 have been put in place to help people facing crisis to contact for help.
Cyclone Fengal is likely to cross between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram coasts close to Puducherry, official sources said. The government has advised people to stay indoors.
The entire stretch of beach road and also several tourist spots were closed to ensure that there was no movement of the people near the sea shore.
Schools and colleges remained closed today.
