NewKerala.com

Odisha Rights Panel Urges Third Gender Option & 1% Job Quota

The Odisha Human Rights Commission has recommended the state government include a "Third Gender/Transgender" option in all government job application forms. It has also advocated for a minimum 1% horizontal reservation for transgender applicants in state employment. The order was issued while hearing a plea from a transgender individual who faced discrimination due to the category's omission in an OPSC exam form. The Commission directed relevant departments to implement these measures and submit a compliance report within 60 days.

Key Points: Odisha Recommends Third Gender Option, 1% Job Reservation

  • Third gender option in job forms
  • 1% horizontal reservation recommended
  • Order follows a plea by a transgender complainant
  • Based on 2019 Transgender Rights Act
3 min read

OHRC recommends third gender option, 1 pc reservation in govt job applications in Odisha

Odisha Human Rights Commission recommends adding "Third Gender/Transgender" to govt job forms and a 1% horizontal reservation for inclusive hiring.

"prevents the 'Third Gender/Transgender'... from applying... on an equal footing - OHRC Order"

Bhubaneswar, Jan 28

In a significant order, the Odisha Human Rights Commission has recommended that the state government consider the inclusion of "Third Gender/Transgender" as a gender option in government job applications.

It has also recommended making at least 1 per cent horizontal reservation for them and directing all recruiting boards and authorities, including the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), to implement the same.

The Commission issued the recommendations while hearing a plea filed by one Sony Sil, a transgender from Cuttack, on January 22.

Sil, in the complaint, alleged discrimination and violation of their fundamental rights due to the non-inclusion of the "Third Gender/Transgender" category in the application form for the ensuing Odisha Combined Civil Services examination conducted by the OPSC.

"The case of the complainant is that omission of the 'Third Gender/Transgender' in the online application form prevents the 'Third Gender/Transgender', like the complainant, from applying and participating in the examination on an equal footing, thereby constituting discriminatory treatment infringing upon their rights to equality and non-discrimination," reads the OHRC order.

The complainant also argued that the omission of the third gender in the application is contrary to the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. It also violates the various sections of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.

"Therefore, a prayer has been made to recommend the Government for inclusion of 'Third Gender/Transgender' option in all OPSC recruitment forms and portals, direct framing and implementation of clear inclusive recruitment policy for 'Third Gender/Transgender' persons affirmative measures including reservation policy in public employment, to ensure equal, dignified and non-discriminatory access to government jobs for 'Third Gender/Transgender' persons," the order further reads.

Considering the urgency of the case in view of the ongoing recruitment process, the Commission delivered its order recommending that the state General Administration (GA) Department and the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department include "Third Gender/Transgender" as a gender option in government job applications.

It has also recommended that the government make at least 1 per cent horizontal reservation for transgender applicants, directing all recruiting boards and authorities, including the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), to implement the same.

As the present complaint relates to the ensuing State Civil Services examinations, for which applications have already been invited, the OHRC recommended that the GA Department consider the matter at the earliest by requesting the OPSC to include 'Third Gender/Transgender' as a gender option and to extend the application deadline by at least 15 days for them.

"The Government of Odisha, in the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, to ensure that the recommendation as above is carried out by all the Government Departments in all employments of the State Government and its Corporations," directs the Commission.

The OHRC has also directed the authorities to submit the compliance report to the Commission within 60 days.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move, but implementation is key. We have laws like the 2019 Act, but ground reality is different. Hope the Odisha government acts swiftly on this recommendation and other states follow. Every citizen deserves the right to apply for a job with dignity.
A
Aman W
While I support equality, I have a practical concern. With so many existing reservations (SC, ST, OBC, EWS), adding more categories fragments opportunities further. The 1% is horizontal, so it might work, but we need a broader debate on the reservation policy's structure.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in HR, this is a long-overdue administrative change. Adding a third gender option in forms is a simple technical fix with a massive human impact. It's about basic recognition. More private companies should also adopt this proactively.
K
Karthik V
Bahut accha faisla! Our society must progress. Transgender people are part of our culture for centuries, yet we push them to the margins. A government job can provide them stability and respect. Odisha setting a positive example for inclusive governance.
M
Meera T
The recommendation to extend the application deadline by 15 days shows thoughtful consideration. It's not just about adding a box to tick; it's about creating a fair chance. Hope this empowers many talented individuals from the transgender community in Odisha.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50