In Indian current affairs, which state became the first in the country to launch a special awareness drive to ensure that transgender persons in the state register as voters on the electoral rolls?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Maharashtra

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question is based on Indian current affairs and electoral awareness. It focuses on the inclusive step taken by one state government to bring transgender persons into the formal democratic process by encouraging them to register as voters. Such initiatives are important because voter lists are the foundation of free and fair elections, and historically many transgender citizens have been excluded or under represented.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are told that a particular Indian state launched a special awareness drive.
  • The specific purpose of the drive was to ensure that transgender persons register as voters.
  • The question asks which state was the first in the country to launch such a focused campaign.
  • Options include Tripura, Mizoram, Maharashtra and Haryana.


Concept / Approach:
To answer this type of question, the candidate has to recall factual information from recent news and government initiatives. This falls under static plus dynamic general knowledge. The approach is to remember which state election commission or government received attention for starting a dedicated campaign for transgender voter enrolment. It is not a question that can be solved by logic or calculation, so exposure to newspapers, magazines and official press releases is essential.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Election Commission of India has encouraged states to include marginalised groups such as transgender persons and persons with disabilities in voter lists. Step 2: Among the options, Tripura and Mizoram are smaller north eastern states that have had various electoral campaigns, but they were not widely reported as the first to launch a transgender specific awareness drive. Step 3: Haryana has run campaigns for female voter turnout and related issues, but there is no major headline about it being the very first state for transgender voter awareness. Step 4: Maharashtra, through its state election machinery, was reported in the news for launching a special awareness drive focused on enrolling transgender persons in the electoral rolls. This initiative was highlighted as the first such drive by any Indian state. Step 5: Therefore, Maharashtra matches the description given in the question.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify in an exam context is to connect the state with its capital and media coverage. Maharashtra, with Mumbai as its capital, often appears in national headlines for pilot campaigns and reforms. Remembering that this state took several progressive steps regarding third gender recognition and awareness around elections helps reinforce that Maharashtra is the correct choice for this specific initiative.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Tripura: No widely known report identifies Tripura as the first state to launch a transgender voter awareness drive, so this option is misleading.
Mizoram: While it has a good record in voter turnout, it is not credited as the first state for a transgender focused registration campaign.
Haryana: Known more for campaigns related to gender ratio and women voters, it does not match the specific first in the country distinction described here.


Common Pitfalls:
One common error is to guess based on smaller states, assuming that lesser known regions may have quietly launched such schemes. Another mistake is to confuse general voter awareness drives with a targeted drive for transgender persons. Candidates may also mix up initiatives related to third gender welfare in education or employment with the very specific context of voter registration.


Final Answer:
The first Indian state to launch a special awareness drive to ensure that transgender persons register as voters was Maharashtra.

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