Ensure Separate Wards, Toilets For Transgenders In Jail: Centre To States

Appropriate arrangements for providing suitable accommodation and facilities in accordance with the gender identity of transgenders may be made in the prisons, according to a communication sent to all states.

The Centre has asked states to safeguard the rights of transgender people in jails and ensure separate wards to protect them against any form of exploitation.

In a communication to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, the Union Home Ministry said the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides for recognition of identity of transgender persons, prohibition against discrimination and welfare measures to be taken by the government.

A transgender person shall have the right to be recognised as a transgender person under the provisions of the law and shall have a right to self perceived gender identity.

"Appropriate arrangements for providing suitable accommodation and facilities in accordance with their gender identity may be made in the prisons," it said.