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17 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Rajasthan Data: No Transgender Hired Under OBC Quota in Two Years

Rajasthan data reveals zero transgender appointments under OBC quota in two years.

Rajasthan Data: No Transgender Hired Under OBC Quota in Two Years

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Data submitted to the Rajasthan High Court reveals that no transgender person has been appointed to government services under the OBC quota in the past two years. The Rajasthan government issued a circular in January 2023, adding "transgender" as an entry in its existing list of OBCs, citing the Supreme Court's 2014 NALSA case directions. This classification is being challenged by transwoman constable Ganga Kumari, who argues that it doesn't account for transgender individuals not belonging to OBC communities and advocates for horizontal reservation. Since January 2023, approximately 15,000 vacancies were advertised by the State Public Service Commission and the Staff Selection Board. Out of 91 transgender applicants, only 22 could apply under the OBC category, as they belonged to OBC communities. The remaining applicants came from SC, ST, EWS, and general category communities.

Key Facts

1.

Rajasthan: No transgender hired under OBC quota (2 years)

2.

Circular issued: January 2023

3.

Vacancies advertised: ~15,000

4.

Transgender applicants: 91

5.

OBC transgender applicants: 22

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice, Vulnerable Sections

2.

Constitutional Provisions: Article 14, 15, 16

3.

Government Policies and Interventions

Visual Insights

More Information

Background

The recognition of transgender individuals' rights in India has been a gradual process, marked by legal battles and social activism. While the term 'transgender' existed in social consciousness, formal legal recognition came with the Supreme Court's NALSA (National Legal Services Authority) judgment in 2014. This landmark ruling recognized transgender persons as a 'third gender' and affirmed their fundamental rights under the Constitution, including the right to equality, dignity, and freedom of expression.

Prior to NALSA, transgender individuals faced significant discrimination and marginalization, often excluded from mainstream society and denied basic rights. The judgment directed the central and state governments to grant legal recognition to transgender identity and implement measures to ensure their social, economic, and political inclusion. The journey towards inclusive policies has involved navigating complex issues of identity, representation, and affirmative action.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been increased focus on implementing the NALSA judgment and enacting legislation to protect transgender rights. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, was enacted to provide a framework for the social, economic, and educational empowerment of transgender individuals. However, the Act has faced criticism for its limited scope and lack of specific provisions on reservation in employment and education.

Several states have taken initiatives to provide reservations for transgender individuals in government jobs and educational institutions, but the implementation varies widely. The ongoing debate revolves around the most effective ways to ensure meaningful inclusion and address the specific challenges faced by transgender individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Future developments are expected to focus on strengthening legal protections, promoting awareness, and addressing systemic discrimination.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the NALSA judgment, 2014: 1. It recognized transgender persons as a 'third gender' for the first time in India. 2. It directed the government to provide reservations for transgender persons in all public sector jobs. 3. It affirmed the fundamental rights of transgender persons under the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The NALSA judgment recognized transgender persons as a third gender and affirmed their fundamental rights. However, it did not mandate reservations in all public sector jobs, but rather directed the government to consider it.

2. In the context of reservations for transgender persons in India, what is meant by 'horizontal reservation'?

  • A.Reservation across all categories (SC, ST, OBC, General) within each vertical reservation category
  • B.Reservation only for transgender persons belonging to the General category
  • C.Reservation that is applied after the vertical reservation is filled
  • D.Reservation that is exclusively for transgender persons in education sector
Show Answer

Answer: A

Horizontal reservation refers to the reservation applied across all categories (SC, ST, OBC, General) within each vertical reservation category. This ensures that transgender persons are represented within each of the existing reservation categories.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019?

  • A.It defines a transgender person as one whose gender does not match the gender assigned at birth.
  • B.It prohibits discrimination against transgender persons in employment, education, and healthcare.
  • C.It mandates the establishment of a National Council for Transgender Persons.
  • D.It explicitly provides for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
Show Answer

Answer: D

While the Act prohibits discrimination and mandates the establishment of a National Council, it does not explicitly provide for reservation in government jobs and educational institutions. This is a point of criticism of the Act.

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