“We fully value the spirit of the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court. CRPF already has a gender-neutral work environment. In view of impending policy guidelines of MHA, we shall make it further compatible as per the need.” CRPF stated in a reply to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reminded to affirm their views to change the recruitment rules for the intake of transgender candidates in the officer’s ranks.
Similarly, an official from the Border Security Force (BSF), said the security body had already communicated their consent for recruiting transgender candidates in its ranks at the officer level (Assistant Commandant-AC). “The consent was sent soon after receiving the communication from the MHA around the 2019-year end,” he said.
This nod of approval is rooted in the April 15, 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court declaring transgender people as the Third Gender. Following this, Parliament passed the The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in 2019.
The CRPF and BSF are the two among the five forces which have given a positive response to MHA’s question. The remaining three, namely, ITBP,SSB and CISF are yet to reply.According to the sources, the remaining forces are also likely to give a positive response.
“In almost all the forces the consensus is that transgender people must get equal opportunity,” an official from the ministry said. “ITBP and SSB are also going to send a positive response. The suggestions are being sought largely to understand how this should be implemented. In that sense, their reply can be varied, but none of the forces are unwilling to do this.” he added.
In a discussion with the CAPFs, the MHA had sought their views to give their opinions for incorporating the ‘third gender’ along with male/female sections for the CAPF (AC) Examination 2020.
In the reminder letter, the MHA has asked them to furnish their views at the earliest so that the final decision on this issue can be taken soon to recruit transgender candidates at the level of Assistant Commandant.
Image Source – Metrosaga
