Enhancing Rights and Welfare for Transgender Persons: NHRC’s Recommendations
Promoting Inclusivity in Education
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a set of 32 recommendations aimed at improving the welfare and rights of transgender individuals. These suggestions encompass various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and grievance redressal.
Championing Inclusive Education
NHRC emphasizes the need for inclusive education. To achieve this, it suggests providing free education, scholarships, and financial assistance for transgender individuals pursuing higher education. Moreover, NHRC encourages all educational institutions to become inclusive of transgender students, safeguarding them from discrimination and harassment.
Civil Service Opportunities for the Transgender Community
A pivotal recommendation from NHRC is the inclusion of a “third gender” category for transgender individuals aspiring to work in civil services. This change would allow them to participate in entrance examinations, opening doors to government jobs. According to the 2011 Census, nearly 4,87,803 people identified themselves as ‘other’ gender.
Empowering Transgender Entrepreneurs
To boost economic empowerment, NHRC advises prioritizing skill development training and enhancing occupational opportunities for transgender individuals. Additionally, it suggests offering loans with interest subvention to help them start businesses or form Self Help Groups for livelihood.
Support from the Government
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment initiated the Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme in February 2022. Under this scheme, transgender students receive scholarships, skill development opportunities, housing, and other support. The government allocated Rs 365 crore for five years, with Rs 265 crore designated for transgender rehabilitation.
Sensitizing Families and Property Rights
NHRC recommends using the extensive network of Anganwadi workers to reach out to transgender individuals’ families and sensitize them about transgender issues, particularly concerning transgender children. Furthermore, NHRC advocates allowing transgender persons to inherit ancestral agricultural land, ensuring their property rights.
Ensuring Welfare and Protection
For the welfare and protection of transgender individuals, states are urged to establish transgender welfare boards as mandated by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules. The panel also suggests setting up a “Transgender Protection Cell” under the Director General of Police (DGP) to monitor cases of offenses. Additionally, an “anti-discrimination cell” for students should be established in every district.
Access to Medical Treatment
NHRC recommends setting up district-level medical boards to assist transgender individuals in accessing medical treatment, including consultation, counseling, and sex reassignment surgery. It suggests providing financial support to those seeking sex reassignment surgery and offering free surgery in government hospitals.
In summary, the NHRC’s recommendations aim to uplift the transgender community by enhancing their access to education, employment, property rights, and healthcare while promoting inclusivity and protection against discrimination and harassment. The government’s commitment to implementing these recommendations can contribute significantly to the well-being and rights of transgender individuals in the country.
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