Expert committee recommends declaration of transgender as 'third gender'

An expert committee constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has recommended that transgenders be declared a 'third gender' in order to ameliorate the problems faced by that community.

A release by the ministry said that as per the judgement of the Supreme Court, an expert committee was formed that made an in-depth study of the predicaments of the community and has recommended that transgender be declared as a 'third gender' and all official documents indicate the same.

Further, the University Grant Commission (UGC) instructed all universities to include a column for transgenders in all application forms and academic testimonials.