Trangenders are the third gender who are still fighting for equal human rights as the other genders. It is still difficult for the Transgender community to get an education, health benefits, jobs like men and women. Due to which no Transgender students are studying in the central university rather 814 are studying in IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University), the open and distance education national university of India. One of the main reasons is there are no transgender teachers in the central university faculty.
Ministry of Human Resource Development looks after the central university and yet there is no development in recruiting of transgenders. This information was shared by the HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ on Tuesday in the winter session of Parliament as an answer to Congress MP, A.R Reddy who asked the HRD Ministry what steps have been taken to increase the population of Transgender community in the higher education.
To which, HRD Minister replied, UGC (University Grants Commission) has taken steps to include a column in the application forms of academic testimonials and scholarships to help the transgender community in recognizing themselves among other genders/candidates.
He said the government has informed the universities from time to time to include transgender as the third gender in the UGC fellowships and scholarship schemes. They are given relaxation in fees, age, qualification criteria and eligibility conditions for NET (National Eligibility Test), which are available to SC/ST/PWD categories as well.
He further said steps have been taken to get transgender students into adapting the environment without fear and shame. University faculties are encouraged to undertake research projects funded by UGC on the life and culture of the Transgender Community.
The Government of India is working on amending the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 which will protect rights and welfare and other related rights of the transgender community. It will also prohibit discrimination against them anyway.