The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has suggested adding categories like ‘Intersex’, ‘Transmen’, and ‘Transwomen’ in the upcoming Census of India. This recommendation is part of Advisory 2.0 aimed at ensuring the welfare of transgender individuals. The advisory also emphasizes equal rights in areas such as inheritance, succession, housing, and property without discrimination.
The NHRC’s advisory includes measures to facilitate the admission of transgender students based on self-identified gender. It also calls for a review of existing laws, such as the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and succession laws, to protect the rights of transgender and intersex persons. The Commission has directed various government departments to implement these recommendations and provide an Action Taken Report within two months.
The NHRC has issued the advisory to key ministries and government bodies, urging them to take necessary steps to safeguard the rights of transgender individuals. The Commission commended the government’s efforts, including the enactment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, and highlighted the need for continuous engagement to address challenges faced by the transgender community.
