Kerala Govt Sanctions Additional Two Seats Per Course for Transgender Students

Kerala, the first state to introduce a policy for transgenders in the lines suggested by Supreme Court in NALSA Judgment,  sanctioned additional two seats in all course in Universities and affiliated Science and Arts Colleges. The decision was unveiled as per government order issued on July 3, on the basis of the recommendations of the Social Justice Department.

“Due to societal issues these students often have to discontinue their studies or to join other academic institutions after an academic year or after the admission process is closed”, cited the order as the reason for reservation of quota for transgenders.

Recently, the Kerala High Court had declared the right of a person to maintain transgender identity, holding that “the values of privacy, self-identity, autonomy and personal integrity are fundamental rights guaranteed to members of the transgender community under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India and the State is bound to protect and recognize those rights”.