Draft Manual "Integrating Transgender Concerns In Schooling Processes" Notified, Will Invite Suggestions: NCERT Informs Madras High Court

The National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) has informed the Madras High Court that it has notified a gender inclusive draft manual and suggestions have been invited from the concerned stakeholders. 

The submission was made before the bench of Justice Anand Venkatesh. The bench has been passing a series of directions in an attempt to remove the stigma associated with the LGBTQ community and to ensure welfare of the members of the community.

NCERT also informed the court that the draft manual titled "Integrating Transgender Concerns in Schooling Processes" are aimed at making the schools more inclusive space. This manual includes gender-inclusive curriculum, gender-neutral uniforms, secure restrooms, washrooms and steps to prevent gender-based violence among other aspects. 

An earlier draft module titled Inclusion of Transgender Children in School Education: Concerns and Roadmap was notified by the Department of Gender Studies, NCERT. But this was taken off following concerns raised by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The new policy focuses upon transgender persons by birth.

Enlisting Of NGOs

The central government also informed the court that it is urging all NGOs working in association with the community in any manner to come forward and enlist themselves with the government. This would ensure that there is a standard list of NGOs working with the community. The list would also include the addresses and the contact details of the NGOs and would be periodically updated. 

In previous hearing, the court was informed that the National Institute of Social Defense (NISD), an autonomous institute and nodal training and research institute in the field of social defence under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been requested to compile a list of NGO/CBO which have sufficient expertise in handling the issue faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.

Case Title: Mrs S. Sushma & Ors. v. The Director-General of Police & Ors.

Case No: WP 7284 of 2021 (Gen.Crim.)