Odisha Govt Asks Varsities, Colleges To Ensure Safety Of Transgenders

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all the Registrars and principals of universities and degree colleges to adhere to the advisory of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in order to ensure the safety and welfare of the transgenders on campuses.

In a letter, the Higher Education department asked the educational institutions to protect gender non-conforming students from bullying, harassment or other forms of violence in their respective jurisdictions.

The department also sought formation of monitoring committee cells at educational institutes to address prejudices, discrimination, sexual abuse and other violence against transgenders.

The letter said that gender-neutral facilities should be provided at all higher educational institutions including unisex toilets and restrooms.

Notably, the NHRC, in a letter to the Secretaries in the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Chief Secretaries of States and Administrators of Union Territories in September, had asked for the implementation of its recommendations in letter and spirit, and sought Action Taken Report within two months.

The Commission in its advisory had observed that one of the primary concerns faced by transgender persons in the country is that despite the legal advancements, they continue to grapple with discrimination at various places like employment disparities, limited access to healthcare, and exclusion from social circles.