Cabinet gives nod to Transgender Bill

The Union Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2016 on Wednesday.

Through this Bill, the government has created a mechanism for their social, economic and educational empowerment. The Bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, and mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalised section and bring them into the mainstream. It will lead to greater inclusiveness and make transgender persons productive members of the society.

The community is among one of the most marginalised in the country as it does not fit into the stereotypical categories of gender. Consequently, they face social exclusion and discrimination. They are not given education and face unemployment. They also face lack of medical facilities.

The Supreme Court had last week clarified that only transgenders would be treated as the third gender, and that gay, lesbian and bisexual persons would not come under this category.

In 2014, the court had upheld that transgender fall in the third gender category. The court said that the Central government must provide a third gender category in forms.  The Supreme Court had even asked the government to provide reservation to transgender in the socially backward category. The Bill will make all stakeholders responsive and accountable for upholding the principles underlying the Bill.