Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar introduced the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Key Highlights of the Bill
The Bill proposes changes in the legal definition of a transgender person to provide clearer identification for benefits and protections.
It excludes individuals with different sexual orientations or self-perceived gender identity from the legal definition of transgender persons under the Act.
The Bill recognises socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani, jogta and eunuch, along with persons having intersex variations.
It proposes stricter and graded punishments for crimes against transgender persons and for coercive acts like forced gender alteration.
A medical board may assist in the process of certification, with the final certificate issued by the District Magistrate.
The amendment aims to ensure that government welfare benefits reach the intended transgender community facing social exclusion.
Background: Transgender Rights Law in India
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides for protection of rights and welfare of transgender persons in India.
The Act prohibits discrimination in education, employment, healthcare, and access to public services.
It allows transgender persons to apply for a certificate of identity from the District Magistrate to update their official documents.
Institutional Mechanism
The National Council for Transgender Persons was established in 2020 to advise the government on policies and welfare measures related to the transgender community.
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