The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) directed the state government to include a separate gender option for transgender candidates in Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) exam applications.
The order cited the Supreme Court’s 2014 ruling and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Justice Satrughna Pujahari, heading the OHRC, instructed the government to ensure dignity and equal opportunity for transgender individuals. The commission also recommended at least 1% horizontal reservation in government jobs for transgender candidates. Additionally, OHRC asked the government to extend the application deadline for the upcoming OPSC exam by 15 days so transgender applicants can apply.
The directive followed a complaint by Sony Sil, a transgender woman, who alleged discrimination due to the absence of a “Third Gender/Transgender” option in the OPSC application form. She argued that the omission prevented transgender candidates from applying on equal footing, violating their fundamental rights to equality and non‑discrimination.
The OHRC emphasised that exclusion from application forms constitutes discriminatory treatment. It urged the General Administration Department and the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department to act swiftly and direct recruiting authorities, including OPSC, to implement the changes.
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