Annie Raja calls for government to look into employment policy for transgenders

The National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) today urged the government to amend its policies to ensure employment for transgender people.
Expressing great concern over media reports of a transwoman from Tamil Nadu who had written to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking mercy killing after allegedly being denied a job as a cabin crew member in Air India, the NFIW demanded that the central government look into the matter.
"NFIW demands that the central government ensure rights and justice to Shanavi. NFIW also demands that if the denial of employment is based on policy, then it should be amended in such a way that ensures reservation in employment to transgender people," NFIW general secretary Annie Raja said in a statement.

Raja alleged that Air India's action was nothing but denial of constitutional right to Shanavi Ponnuswamy.
She alleged that while the BJP-led government was claiming to bring a progressive bill for the welfare of the transgender community, Air India, the national carrier, did not have a category for them.
"It is also reported that on a query by her to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Air India, she was informed that as per the carrier's recruitment policy, they do not have a category for transwomen," Raja said.
Raja said if the denial of employment to Ponnuswamy was because of her gender, then action should be taken against those responsible for denying her the job.