(a) whether the Government is planning to implement a policy or scheme to accord
benefits of reservation in education to transgenders in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued directions to all the
Universities requesting them to include a column for transgender category in all
application forms/academic testimonials;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
(e) the extent to which the said community is likely to be benefitted?
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ANSWER
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MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a) & (b): The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has informed that the Supreme
Court in its Judgment dated 15th April, 2014, in Writ Petition No. 400/2012, has directed
the Union of India and the State Governments to take steps to treat transgender persons
as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens and extend all kinds of
reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has further informed it has approached
the Supreme Court seeking further clarification in the matter of inclusion of groups in the
socially and educationally backward classes. The matter is sub-judice.
Students belonging to the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs)/ Socially
and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) are eligible for reservation under the OBC
category in Central Educational Institutions.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has informed that a
letter was sent on 29th October, 2014 to the Vice-Chancellors of all Universities
requesting them to include a column for transgender category in all academic forms /
academic testimonials. The letter has also requested higher educational institutions to
take a number of other measures in their campuses for a transgender friendly
environment.
(e): The UGC has further requested the Vice Chancellors of all Universities, on 2nd
February, 2015, to ensure that the affirmative actions ordered by the Hon’ble Supreme
Court of India in its Judgment in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 400 of 2012 be initiated by them
so that the human rights of transgender students are safeguarded and their
mainstreaming is fast-tracked within the university and society at large.
*******
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