After the landmark Supreme Court judgment in April 2014 recognising transgender as third gender, the Delhi government has now decided to introduce the ‘transgender’ category in forms for registration of birth and death certificates.
In the first move perhaps to recognise the third gender on official papers, the Delhi government has issued a notification asking all Registrar offices to duly make the changes in the forms.
“In form no. 1, appended in the Principal Rules for entries at serial no. 2, the following shall be substituted namely, 2: Sex [enter Male, Female, Transgender],” reads the notification issued last month.
Sources in the government said that registration of death and births certificates from the transgender community was very less and even those who came forward, would mostly end up registering as females. “Even officials would be confused how to register them, male or female. Most of them would register as females,” said an official.
Now with the option available, the transgenders can register easily. The Hindu spoke with some transgenders, they said that though it is a small thing but at least there is a sign of recognition.
“We all were happy after the Supreme Court order in 2014 hoping that things will improve for us. But not much changed on ground. At least, with this there is a start,” said Laila, who heads a group of hijras in Trilokpuri.
