Stalin releases TN Transgender Policy

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu on Thursday launched a state policy for transgender people to ensure their rights in education, employment, healthcare, housing, and safety. The state will also take steps to amend Hindu Succession Act and India Succession Act to ensure right of inheritance for transgenders.

The policy says transgenders will be treated as socially and educationally most disadvantaged and would be give preference in housing schemes. Steps would be taken to amend Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant acts to address concerns of gender non-conforming persons, said the policy. The state will operate a round-the-clock helpline for gender-related queries.

TN has been a pioneer in introducing welfare measures for transgenders, from setting up a Transgender Welfare Board to providing a dignified nomenclature – ‘Thirunangai and Thirunambi’ to them. TN was also the first state to provide a third gender option in college application forms alongside male and female. On Thursday, chief minister M K Stalin, who resumed official duties after his discharge from hospital, launched the state policy.

The policy is a boon for the transgender community and addresses several critical issues,’’ said Priya Babu, founder of the Transgender Resource Centre. The only shortcoming is that the policy doesn't explicitly mention reservation for transgenders, though it states that the state will take necessary steps to ensure their appropriate representation in educational institutions and govt employment, Priya Babu said. Currently, transgenders are provided reservation under MBC, but the Karnataka govt provides an exclusive 1% reservation for them. “We need an exclusive reservation like in Karnataka,” Priya Babu added.

Earlier, Stalin distributed laptops and certificates of appreciation to 135 Adidravida and tribal students who gained admission to institutes across the country. “The first event I took part in was a delightful one. I was moved by their passion for education, their journey of education, and their rise from the most disadvantaged and suffering families," Stalin tweeted. He then inaugurated buildings for the police, fire service and the prisons department. Appointment orders were also given to 40 employees selected for the prohibition and excise department.