Bihar survey marks trans people as a ‘caste’, sparks protest

PATNA: The Bihar government’s move to designate the third gender as a “separate caste” in the ongoing caste survey has triggered protests from the transgender community who describe it as a “criminal act” that will create many complications in future and also deprive them of government-sponsored welfare schemes.

The authorities have issued different numerical codes for each caste for use during the second phase of the caste-based headcount from April 15. However, transgenders have noticed serious lapses in identifying the third gender (Kinner/Kathi/Hijra/Transgender) as a separate caste.

“How can transgender be considered a caste,” transgender leader and NGO Dostana Safar founder secretary Reshma Prasad said while talking to TOI on Friday, adding the people of the transgender community could be of any caste.

Stating that those identifying them by a caste are committing a serious “criminal offence”, Reshma said the fresh move would lead to various complications as they would face problems in making ration cards, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, residential certificates, etc. “The Bihar government included transgender in the OBC list in light of a top court order, and now it is identifying us as a caste,” she said.

State social welfare minister Madan Sahani suggested the transgender community people approach the department concerned if they find any issue with the current caste-based survey.

Courtesy : TOI

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