Indian Express, India


Consider eunuchs for govt jobs: HC to Centre

Cites state govt notification, says chalk out separate category for transgenders

Express News Service

Posted: Thu Jul 07 2011, 03:48 hrs


Chandigarh: In a first, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed
the Central government to consider eunuchs for government jobs and
pass a notification. The Centre has been directed to chalk out a
separate category for eunuchs for consideration.

The high court cited the example of a notification issued by the
Punjab government wherein it has prepared a separate category under
the head of “transgenders” for considering eunuchs for government
jobs.

Haryana and Punjab had decided to create a separate category (other
than male and female) in application forms offering public employment
by Punjab. However, eventually these people, who are selected for the
job, will be considered in the category of men.

Punjab was the first to consider eunuchs for government jobs and it
was followed by Haryana.

The development took place during the resumed hearing of a public
interest litigation filed by Kajal Mangal Mukhi, an advocate by
profession and local resident. Kajal had sought directions for the
states to allow eunuchs to join government services.

Kajal had taken the stand that despite being professionally and
academically competent, eunuchs are not allowed to join government
service. Reservation in government jobs for eunuchs was also sought.

Kajal had contended that the government has made necessary
arrangements for free education for blind and handicapped children but
no such arrangement has been made for eunuchs.

Kajal had maintained that eunuchs are always made fun of by society
but no steps are being taken for their development.

Despite several opportunities, the Central government had failed to
clarify its stand as to whether it would like to consider eunuchs for
government jobs. The Central government, right from the start, had
been opposing the public interest litigation.

Advocate Onkar Singh Batalvi, counsel for Central government had on
the last date of hearing, three months ago produced an affidavit filed
by the Department of Personnel and Training.

The affidavit stated that the ministry does not bar transgenders from
taking up government jobs.


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