NHRC issues Advisory 2.0 to Ministries and the Chief Secretaries of all the states and UTs to ensure the welfare of transgender persons

📌 Summary:

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued Advisory 2.0 on the welfare of transgender persons to 11 Union Ministries, the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, and the Chief Secretaries/Administrators of all states and UTs, in continuation of its September 2023 Advisory.

• The recommendations were drawn from field interactions, stakeholder consultations and reviews of implementation; concerned authorities must furnish Action Taken Reports (ATRs) within two months.

• The Advisory focuses on ten key areas: gender-inclusive national data, gender-inclusive laws and policies, an inclusive legal framework, and rights to property, education and healthcare; workplace inclusivity; safeguarding intersex children and elderly transgender persons; and strengthening Garima Greh shelters.

• Key recommendations include adding distinct categories such as Intersex, Transmen and Transwomen in the upcoming Census and national surveys; reviewing the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, Juvenile Justice Act and succession laws to recognise self-identified gender; and ensuring equal inheritance, housing and property rights.

• Other recommendations: SOPs for police and correctional institutions; legal aid cells and helplines; admission of transgender students on self-identified gender without medical proof; ethical protocols and insurance for gender-affirming healthcare; a ban on coercive medical procedures on intersex children; and inclusive workplaces and transgender-inclusive old-age homes.

• The Advisory acknowledges the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and allied government schemes.

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS1 — Society (social empowerment of vulnerable sections); GS2 angle on the role of the NHRC and welfare of marginalised communities.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• The NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act was enacted in 2019.

• Garima Greh refers to shelter homes for transgender persons.

• Advisory 2.0 was issued to 11 Ministries plus Census authorities and all states/UTs, with Action Taken Reports sought within two months.

🔑 Key Term: Garima Greh — a government scheme providing shelter homes for transgender persons, offering food, shelter, medical care and skill development.