The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has recommended that the state government consider adding “Third Gender/Transgender” as a gender option in government job applications. This recommendation includes a suggestion for a 1% horizontal reservation for them in job opportunities. The OHRC issued these recommendations following a plea from Sony Sil, a transgender individual from Cuttack, citing discrimination in job application processes.
The OHRC order highlighted the complaint filed by Sil, emphasizing the exclusion of the “Third Gender/Transgender” category in the application form for the Odisha Combined Civil Services examination. Sil argued that this omission hinders equal participation and constitutes discriminatory treatment, violating their rights to equality and non-discrimination. The complainant also pointed out that this exclusion contradicts the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
Urgency was stressed by the OHRC due to the ongoing recruitment process, leading to the recommendation that the state government include “Third Gender/Transgender” as a gender option in job applications. Additionally, a 1% horizontal reservation for transgender applicants was advised, with instructions for all recruiting boards, including the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), to implement this measure. The OHRC also suggested extending the application deadline by at least 15 days for transgender individuals in the State Civil Services examinations.
The OHRC directed the state General Administration (GA) Department and the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department to ensure the implementation of these recommendations. Furthermore, all government departments and corporations were instructed to comply with the inclusion of “Third Gender/Transgender” in employment opportunities. Authorities have been given a 60-day deadline to submit a compliance report to the Commission.
