Swapna (23), a transgender, is a civil service aspirant. “I scored 75 per cent in BA Tamil degree and I am pursuing MA in journalism. People coming under the third gender category, like me, are not recognised even in applications. If I have to sit for the preliminary exams I would have to tick the slot for women”, she says.
According to A. Rajini, an advocate, the transgenders are not legally recognised. “There are several legal blocks that hinder the growth of the transgenders. In all the applications, there should a third gender category”, Ms Rajini insists.
M. Thirunavukarasu, president of the Madurai Bench High Court Advocates Association, said that the Indian Constitution does not have a law for the welfare of transgenders. “Britain has a Sex Discrimination Act, 1975 which ensures equality for transgenders in education. A similar framework of law should be evolved in India”, he told
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
“The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has filed a case in the Supreme Court to include transgenders as a third category in providing various opportunities and facilities such as the voter ID card, passport, driving licence, ration card and admission to educational institutions. The case is pending and the SC had ordered notice to the Central government and the State governments. The SC should pass a ruling on providing equal opportunities to transgenders”, he contended.