Assam becomes first state in India to introduce ‘Transgender’ as a ‘gender option’ in state civil service exam application form

Transgenders are not being treated nicely in today’s world. They are trolled for their nature and they struggle to get the same status in the society just like the other two genders i.e man and woman. However, generous persons like Gautam Gambhir is changing the people’s attitude with a heart-touching message.

According to the Indian cricketer Gambhir, there is nothing about being a man or woman but it’s everything about being a human. Gautam Gambhir came up with a touching gesture on the special occasion of Raksha Bandhan. As per the ritual, the sister happily ties rakhi (resembles a thread-like appearance) on brother’s wrist and in return, the brother assures to protect her and buy gifts.

Gautam Gambhir happily got rakhi tied by the transgenders and also shared a picture on his official Twitter account. Uploading the picture, Gambhir’s caption read, “It’s not about being a man or a woman. It’s about being a HUMAN.” With proud transgenders Abhina Aher and Simran Shaikh and their Rakhi love on my hand. I’ve accepted them as they are. Will you? #respecttransgenders.”

In the latest development, Assam became the first country in India to introduce a ‘transgender’ option in the gender category of the civil service examination form. The separate category was added in the recently conducted application procedure of the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examinations that are to be organised in 2021.

Assam becomes first state in India to introduce ‘Transgender’ as a 'gender option' in state civil service exam application form
Credits: OpIndia

As per the reports, a total of 42 candidates from the transgender community of Assam filled the form to apply for the posts of state civil service, police and other allied services in this year.

Meanwhile, Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) chairman Pallab Bhattacharya said, “Initially we had not made a separate category for transgender persons when we issued notification for the exam in September. We were soon approached by a prominent transgender activist Swati Bidhan Baruah to include a separate category.”

“We had a discussion with Baruah and also checked with UPSC where transgender persons are already allowed to apply in a separate category called other. The state government was apprised of the matter and a separate category was created,” he added in a statement.

Appreciating the step taken by the state commission for the elevating the transgender community, Swati Bidhan Baruah, associate vice-chairperson of the Assam State Transgender Welfare Board told G Plus, “It’s a much-welcomed development. But only doing so wouldn’t be of much help if special steps are not included. I have written to the Commission to secure reservation for the community and also provide special standard operating procedures (SOP) so that others do not misuse this provision.”

For the unversed, this type of examination is quite similar to that of the civil services examinations held by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and appoints candidates for state civil service, police and other allied services for the state.