Rajasthan introduces admission to transgender category in schools

The directorate of secondary education has asked all schools in the Rajasthan state to give admissions to students from the transgender community under the transgender category.

Before this, there existed no provision to admit students under the transgender category in schools. Because of this, kids from the transgender community faced problems in getting admissions and pursuing education.

But now, as per orders by a circular released by the directorate of secondary education, no school across the state could deny admission or show reluctance to admit transgender students, else strict actions will be taken against that school.

BL Swarnkar, the director of the secondary education board considers this step as a symbol of government’s socially inclusive approach towards education.

According to census 2011, the state has some 16,517 transgender people, the literacy rate among whom is just 48.34%.

This move by the government to promote transgender education has been openly welcomed by Pushpa, who is a leader of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community in the state of Rajasthan. She raised another issue saying that the transgender students would first need proper identity cards and documents so that the schools could give them admissions.

On April 15, 2014, transgenders found recognition as a third gender by law. At the first meeting of the Rajasthan Transgender Welfare Board, it was decided that they would be issued proper identity cards so that they could get right to education and employment opportunities.

Social justice and empowerment minister Arun Chaturvedi also assured that they would mention the third gender in application forms so that the transgender community can also avail benefits of social welfare schemes.

At the same time, the government has also asked government and private universities to open their admissions to the transgender community for the betterment of the society.

This step by the government is appreciable and should get support from all schools, private institutions, colleges and universities, not only across Rajasthan but across the entire nation. Only education can show the transgender community some light and open opportunities for them to work and lead normal lives like everyone else.