Transgender

Niti aayog strategy @75

To ensure a life of dignity, social security and safety for transgender persons, enabling them to actively participate in economic development and the nation building process.

The transgender community is among one of the most marginalized communities in the country. As per Census 2011, India has 4.87 lakh transgender persons.

Provide for identification of transgender persons in all government and non-government records by introducing a separate column to include the third gender.
Sensitize communities towards the challenges and needs of transgender persons.
Mandate the provision of housing and community services to accommodate at least 50 per cent of transgender persons.
Design a scheme for providing skill and employability training to transgender persons to integrate them with mainstream society.

Transgender Person Protection Of Rights Act, 2019

Nalsa v/S UoI case 2014 SC recognised transgender persons rights to self identification as a male, female or third gender

Need of the act

Features

Definition of transgender persons
Prohibition of discrimination against transgender- 8 types of discrimination - denial of services or unfair treatment or prohibition on access to public goods etc included based on social and political rights
Recognition of identity - right to self perceived identity certified by District Magistrate
Offences against transgenders penalised with imprisonment from 6 months upto 2 years and fine. Offences- trafficking, verbal or emotional abuse, removal from household etc
Est National Council of Transgender Persons with representatives from transgender community, govt officials and other experts
Govt to take steps for providing access to healthcare

Issues

No right to self identification
No review mechanism
No provisions for affirmative actions in access to education etc
Lack of knowledge and research among medical professionals on transgender bodies

The act can bring a change in way people perceive and treat transgenders if implemented effectively.