THE Central Government on Monday issued an order asking all ministries and departments under it to modify the relevant examination rules providing for inclusion of ‘Transgender’ as a separate category of gender, so as to make the said Rules in conformity with the provisions of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019″ was passed by both Houses of the Parliament and received the assent of the President on December 5, 2019. The Act, inter-alia, provides for-
- Non-discrimination against a Transgender Person in educational institutions, employment, healthcare services etc.
- Recognition of identity of Transgender Persons and to confer upon them right to self-perceived gender identity.
- Provision of the right of residence with parents and immediate family members.
- Provision for the formulation of welfare schemes and programmes for education, social security and health of Transgender Persons.
- Provision for National Council for Transgender Persons to advice, monitor and evaluate measures for the protection of their rights.
The Government’s order says “the matter regarding Inclusion of “Third Gender/any Other Category” in the application forms in recruitment to various posts under the Central Government, was under consideration of the Government for quite some time. Based on the provisions of the aforesaid Act and the legal opinion obtained on the subject, Civil Services Examination Rules, 2020 have been notified on 05.02.2020, providing for inclusion of ‘Transgender’ as a separate category of gender for the said exam”.
Read the Order here: DoPT order for the inclusion of “Third Gender/any Other Category” in the recruitment application forms
Also read: Reclaiming Rights: Transgender Persons Bill and beyond
Also read: SC issues notice to Centre on a plea against ‘Transgender (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019’
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