Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 15: High Court today came down heavily on Social Welfare Department for not creating Welfare Board for transgenders and steps taken for their admission in schools and colleges and directed the State Government to inform it on next date.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rashid Ali Dar while castigating the Social Welfare Department for not moving a step on creation of ‘Transgenders Welfare Board’ in the State, directed the Government to report the court about the same failing which Commissioner Secretary SWD shall remain present before the court.
Underscoring the order passed on July 19, court said it has not been complied with so far. It is in the said order court had directed the Chief Secretary of the State to examine the issue and constitute a dedicated authority for welfare of transgenders as such authority, court said, would function as a nodal authority and will go a long way in mitigating the woes of the transgenders.
“The State Government shall place before this court a status report which should set out not only directions and instructions, but the steps actually taken and the position on the ground with regard to ensuring and enabling an inclusive environment to the transgenders in the state”, reads the order.
Court at the very threshold of consideration of the matter enquired from the state counsel about the issue but no report was on record. Court directed for compliance of the same in default court ordered for personal appearance of Commissioner Secretary SWD.
With regard to admission of transgenders in schools and colleges, court directed that the State Government shall file a report regarding education facilities given to the community. Meantime, Election Commission of India has given the complete details of the measures taken to ensure inclusion of the transgender community in the national election.
With regard providing Adhaar Cards to the community, court has been informed that UIDAI has incorporated the category of transgenders in its forms so as to enable them to obtain Adhaar Cards.
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