The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has asked all ministries and departments to modify relevant exam rule which is to include ‘Transgender’ as a separate category of gender for Central government jobs.
According to an Office Memorandum (O.M) of the ministry dated 20 April, 2020, “All Ministries or Departments of Government of India are requested to modify the relevant examination rules providing for inclusion of ‘Transgender’ as a separate category of gender, so as to make the said Rules in conformity with the provisions of The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.”
The Office Memorandum said, all ministries & departments that the “The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019” was passed by both Houses of the Parliament and received Presidential assent on 5 December 2019.
It also said that that the inclusion of the 3rd Gender or any other category for Central Government posts was under consideration for quite some. As per the provisions of the Act, the Civil Services Examination Rules 2020 provided for inclusion of “Transgender” as a separate category of gender.
The OM said, “The matter regarding Inclusion of “Third Gender/any Other Category” in the application forms in recruitment to various posts under the Central Government, was under consideration of the Government for quite some time.”
It added, “Based on the provisions of the aforesaid Act and the legal opinion obtained on the subject, Civil Services Examination Rules, 2020 have been notified on 05.02.2020, providing for inclusion of ‘Transgender’ as a separate category of gender for the said exam.”
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act provides for non-discrimination against a Transgender Person in educational institutions, employment, healthcare services etc. The Act aims to make all the stakeholders responsive and accountable for upholding the principles of the Bill. It also aims to bring greater accountability on the part of the CG and State Governments/Union Territories Administrations for issues concerning Transgender persons.
Credit: Financial Express
