THRC seeks full implementation of transgender welfare recommendations

The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has observed that the Social Welfare and Social Education Department has only partially implemented its recommendations on the protection and inclusion of transgender persons, and directed the department to take further steps in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court.

The Commission was reviewing compliance with its recommendations issued on October 22, 2025, and had sought an action taken report from the Social Welfare and Social Education Department.

According to the latest report submitted by the department on June 10, 2026, the Commission noted that its first three recommendations had been implemented, while recommendations four, five and six remained either partially complied with or pending.

The fourth recommendation had called for comprehensive programmes to promote inclusivity and sensitisation towards gender diversity, including adoption of an inclusive curriculum based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training's (NCERT) 2021 training material titled "Inclusion of Transgender Children in School Education: Concerns and Roadmap".

The fifth recommendation urged authorities, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state education boards, to adopt comprehensive institutional policies ensuring equality for transgender, intersex and gender non-conforming students. These include recognition of self-identified gender, preferred names and pronouns, equal access to admissions, education, evaluation, extracurricular activities and sports.

The sixth recommendation proposed dedicated screening points for transgender persons at airports, metro stations, bus stands, seaports, workplaces, shopping complexes, malls, cinema halls and other public places, along with sensitisation of security personnel.

The Commission noted that the department had informed it that letters had been issued to all government departments and organisations directing them to appoint complaint officers under Section 11 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, read with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020. Several departments have already designated such officers, indicating substantial compliance with that recommendation.

However, the Commission observed that no formal notification had yet been issued on its recommendation to designate the Tripura Human Rights Commission as the authority to hear objections from transgender persons aggrieved by decisions of heads of establishments under Rule 13(8) of the 2020 Rules.

On the recommendation for a nationwide toll-free helpline for reporting violations of the Act and Rules, the department informed the Commission that the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Commission noted the response but said the issue remained unresolved.

The Commission also observed that the Supreme Court had issued several additional directions on transgender rights and said the department should take necessary steps to implement them in letter and spirit.