Chennai
Bending to the constant demands from the transgender community, the UGC (University Grants Commission) has directed all the Universities to ensure that the transgender students do not face any kind of discrimination in the campus.
The directive comes after a number of open protests in this regard by the transgender community.
Jaspal Sandhu, the UGC Secretary, wrote to all the concerned vice-chancellors and asked them to take all the necessary measures to protect the rights of transgender students.
The commission notified the transgender as the third gender to ensure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria for several scholarships and fellowship programs.
The letter quoted "The transgender community is a distinct cultural identity and unique on the socio-cultural map of the country. It is to be admitted that much remains to be done in order to ameliorate the discrimination and deprivation suffered by the community in Indian society. This will go a long way in acclimatizing transgender students without facing any fear, stigma or shame,"
The UGC also expressed its hope that the institutions would come forward and make the requisite arrangements to ensure the inclusion of transgender students.
Sandhu was quoted saying "Such research will lead not only to a better understanding of the transgender subculture but also dispel several myths pertaining to the community embedded in popular discourse,"
According to Selvi, an activist belonging to the transgender community and working as a physiotherapist, the importance of setting up role models is utmost.
He further went on to say that "The government should provide jobs to all transgenders registered with the employment exchange and make the jobs of temporary workers permanent. This will help develop positive examples within the community and encourage other younger transgenders to attend college and aim for a better future. The health minister and secretary have promised me a permanent job, and this is a step in the right direction,"
Tags: Ugc Transgender
Transgender Student Inclusion
Ugc Notice
Rights Of Transgender Student
