The government on Tuesday said the objective of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 is to provide protection to such persons as the opposition slammed the proposed legislation for taking away the right to self-determination of identity and demanded that it be sent to a standing committee for proper consultations. Union minister for social justice and empowerment Virendra Kumar Khatik speaks in Lok Sabha. (Sansad TV) Moving the bill for consideration and passage in Lok Sabha, Social justice and empowerment minister Virendra Kumar said its objective is to provide safety and benefits to the community. “To ensure that transgender persons can avail themselves of the benefits of this Act, it was necessary to provide a precise definition for them; this bill has been introduced to address that very need,” the minister said. He said the bill includes a provision for the establishment of a medical board. District magistrates will issue identity cards to transgender persons, he said. Participating in the debate, Congress MP Jyothimani said the bill has been brought without consultations …