Parliamentary panel bats for reservation for transgenders
A parliamentary panel has recommended reservation for transgenders, observing they are the most marginalized section in the society. The committee on social justice and empowerment is reviewing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016, which aims to define "transgender" and assure them the right to "self- perceived" gender identity.
Union minister argues for transgender reservation in government jobs
Following the government's decision to introduce the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 in the Lok Sabha in the Monsoon season, Union minister Ramdas Athawale argued for reservations in government jobs for transgender people today. Athawale based his argument along the lines of the quota fixed for disabled people. He demanded that a "similar" 3% quota should exist for transgender people.
Transgenders should be treated as humans
"They (transgenders) are also humans and they should be given reservation. The quota for transgenders should be fixed similar to what is fixed for the disabled," said Ramdas Athawale.
The status of the Transgender Persons Bill, 2016
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 seeks to first define the term transgender and prohibit discrimination against the transgender community. Reportedly, the government had tried to classify transgenders as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). However, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) rejected it. The bill has now been referred to a parliamentary panel which has invited public suggestions in making the law.
A gender identity for transgenders
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 seeks to confer upon transgender people the right to assume a "self-perceived" gender identity.
Transgender people and India
According to 2011 Census data, there are 6 lakh transgender people in India. Transgender people are possibly the most marginalized community in India as they don't fit into the two genders of men and women. They are discriminated against in almost sphere of life, from education, to health-care, to employment, and face tremendous social exclusion.
