The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday urged urgent action against the widespread discrimination and stigma faced by transgender people in everyday life, ranging from schools and healthcare to housing, employment, and even access to basic facilities like washrooms.
Addressing a day-long conference in New Delhi on the theme “Rights of Transgender Persons: Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices”, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian said that while India has made progress in recognising transgender rights compared to many countries, much more remains to be done to ensure dignity and equal opportunity.
He noted that India’s legal framework has evolved significantly over the last decade, with legislative, executive, and judicial branches working in tandem to translate constitutional ideals into law. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, is one such milestone. However, Justice Ramasubramanian pointed out that the constitutionality of several sections of the Act, including those related to identity certification and punishment provisions, is currently under challenge before the Supreme Court. In this context, he said, it is essential to keep transgender voices at the centre of reform.
According to the 2011 census, India’s transgender population stands at around 4.88 lakh, though activists have argued that the actual number is higher. The NHRC chief emphasised that such a significant section of society cannot be excluded from mainstream development.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) also outlined government efforts to improve opportunities. Secretary Amit Yadav said the government is committed to the constitutional principles of equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16, ensuring no citizen, including transgender persons, faces discrimination. He announced that the first batch of transgender individuals enrolled in skill and vocational training programmes under the 2019 Act is nearing completion. Rozgar melas tailored to transgender jobseekers have also been launched, with calls for greater private sector participation to widen opportunities.
Yadav said that welfare schemes are being revised to better reflect the needs of the community, stressing that financial resources are not a limitation. Plans are also underway to strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms and integrate transgender sensitisation modules in schools to promote awareness from an early age.
An NHRC report titled “Transgender Persons: Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices – Insights from Garima Greh Shelters and Beyond” was released at the conference. The report recommended measures to strengthen the Garima Greh initiative, shelter homes for transgender persons, while calling for systemic reforms.
Key recommendations include timely release of funds, revised allocations for food, and tailored financial models for both urban and rural shelters. The report also urged activation of Project Monitoring Committees in all states, with clear roles assigned to district authorities and police focal points for transgender issues. Shelter staff should be aligned with market standards to avoid overburdening, while heads of shelters should be empowered to assist in issuing transgender ID cards through simplified and privacy-sensitive processes.
The NHRC underscored that better infrastructure and support are crucial to ensuring that shelters do not just provide safety but also empower residents to reclaim their place in society.
The discussions at the conference highlighted the broader challenge of bridging the gap between legal recognition and lived realities. Despite the existence of legal protections, many transgender persons continue to face exclusion in education, limited employment opportunities, and social stigma that undermines their access to basic rights.
The Commission emphasised that sustainable change requires a multi-pronged approach, legal reform, community engagement, sensitisation in schools, and structural improvements in welfare delivery. Justice Ramasubramanian reiterated that equality and inclusivity are not merely legal commitments but moral imperatives for a society that aspires to holistic progress
