Jammu And Kashmir Govt Orders Inclusion Of ‘Third Gender’ In Job Recruitments

The Jammu and Kashmir administration in an effort to make the society and working space more inclusive and to provide every citizen with equal opportunity instructed all administrative departments to amend the Examination and Service rules, incorporating a separate category labelled ‘Third Gender/Other’ in recruitment application forms for various government posts in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights), Act of 2019, prohibits the discrimination, denial or unfair treatment of members of the Transgender community in educational establishments, employment, health institutions, public services, etc,” a circular issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir read.

The decision was warmly welcomed by the Transgender community who have faced discrimination and stigma for their identity and profession over the years. The employment opportunity will help them to improve their economic and social status.

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Raveena Mahant, a transgender activist said that this will help them lead a respectable life and encourage their children to pursue education. This opportunity to sit in government exams along with their fellow citizens will elevate their ambitions, she said. 

Raveena Mahant also shared the stories of her granddaughter Arnavi Sharma and other transgender students who are studying in various fields and aspire to do jobs. She said that they are proud of their achievements and hope to contribute to the development of society and the country.

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Rabiya, another transgender, said that this is just the beginning and appealed to the administration to give them all the rights that are given to other people in society. They demanded a separate residential colony, free education and representation in politics for the transgender community. They also expressed hope that the Central Government will continue to work for their betterment.