Educational Aspects and Social Status of Third Gender

Name of Author : Khushboo Sahu

Abstract: Education is crucial for the event of any democratic country. India is a democratic country. The spirit of the Indian Constitution is to supply civil right to each citizen to grow and attain their potential, no matter caste, religion or gender. Everyone encompasses a individuality. In a landmark decision issued in April 2014, The Supreme Court of India granted Hijras (transgender people) the status of “Third Gender”. As per census 2011, there are around 4.9 lakh third gender within the country who faces social discrimination and harassment. Transgender were respected earlier within the society but the situation has changed and now they face discrimination and harassment. Now, transgender will study in schools and colleges with all facility approving their admission under the category of “Disadvantaged Group” defined by the proper to Education Act 2009 (RTE). Transgender people are eligible for 25% admission preference under the Economically Disadvantaged Section (EWS) and disadvantaged student category. They are socially and economically backward. So they allowed admission in educational institutions and given employment on the idea that they belonged to the third gender category. The Supreme Court of India said absence of law recognizing hijras as third gender could not be continued as a ground to discriminate them in availing equal opportunities in education and employment. The Supreme Court said they are going to incline educational and employment reservation as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). Transgender are empty social and cultural participation, are shunned by family and society. This paper is a step towards enhancing the participation of third gender in mainstream education including education, profession education and employment. The paper has analysed this educational, social and employment status of third gender community in India.

Keywords : Third Gender, Discrimination, Disadvantaged Group, Education, Employment.

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