Ludhiana: Ludhiana deputy district education officer (DEO) (secondary) Jaswinder Singh Virk on Thursday lauded the decision of the directorate of school education of the state to have a separate column for transgender persons on school forms.
Virk said, “It is a good decision as everyone has the right to study and the transgender people will not be left out as they are also an equal part of the society. The move will pave way for inclusivity”
Notably, the directorate of school education of the state has instructed the DEO and all principals and heads of schools to have a separate column for transgender persons on the identity information collection forms. This has been further circulated by the department of school education and literacy under the ministry of education, government of India.
Appreciating the move, Gurmeet Chhina, principal of GSSS, Karamsar said it would allow smooth integration of transgender persons in the formal schooling process.
Chhina added, “We have to sensitise students and parents through counselling, seminars and manuals. The change would be difficult but we have to accept it without hurting their sentiments. The upcoming challenges would include gender-neutral uniforms, transgender-inclusive curriculum, safe washroom facilities and measures to prevent gender-based violence and bullying.”
Elaborating on the need for a ‘transgender people inclusive’ environment in schools, CBSE city coordinator A P Sharma from Kundan Vidya Mandir School said, “The move, which is a follow up of the Supreme Court orders, is good for equality. The behaviours and expressions that exist within the gender non-binary, should be seen as ‘normal’ and treated as acceptable. These expressions, behaviours, mannerisms, draw unwarranted attention from others since they are not seen as ‘normal’ and lead to bullying or harassment, which makes it all the more difficult for transgender people to continue their education.”
“However, with change, come challenges and despite challenges, we should welcome them,” added Sharma.
Talking to TOI, Punjab’s first transgender person to be a member ofthe justice panel of National Lok Adalat, and an activist of the LGBT community, Mohan Manth said, “It is grateful to know that we are being recognised. This will help us get equal education and job opportunities.”
Manth claimed that till 2014, transgender people had no identification and it was only since then that they even got ID cards.
