Why is it in the news?
→ Reports highlight discrimination against trans men and gender-diverse AFAB persons in healthcare.
→ Renewed focus on implementation gaps despite legal safeguards.
Category: Polity
Important Points
- ~27% reported refusal of medical care due to gender identity.
- Suicide indicators: 31% die by suicide; 50% attempt before age 20.
- Economic exclusion: 92% affected (NHRC 2018); unemployment 48% (ILO 2022).
- Literacy rate 56.1% vs national 74% (Census 2011).
- National Portal issued only 277 identity certificates since Nov 2020; ~16% processing rate.
- Census 2011: transgender population ~4.88 lakh; top states: UP, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra.
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 recognises self-perceived gender identity.
- NALSA v. Union of India (2014): third gender recognition; Articles 14,15,16,19,21; SEBC status.
- Puttaswamy (2017): right to privacy includes gender identity.
- Navtej Johar (2018): Section 377 struck down (now BNS 2023).
- National Council for Transgender Persons constituted in 2020.
- Welfare measures: SMILE Scheme (Garima Grey), Ayushman Bharat TG Plus (₹5 lakh cover), Transgender Pension Scheme.
- ECI introduced the “Others” gender option (2009).
- State initiatives: Kerala reservations/hostels; Maharashtra welfare cells; Tamil Nadu free surgeries and clinics.