”Misleading” Signages On Toilets For Transgender Persons Not Acceptable: NHRC To Delhi Metro

The National Human Rights Commission Of India (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) after a complaint was registered alleging that the word and image on signages used at its toilet facilities for transgender persons at its stations are not acceptable to the community.

The complainant seeks to remove the name ‘Ubhayalingi’ with a symbolic photo of ‘half-male and halffemale on 347 new toilets for transgender persons across stations. It alleged that the signage fails to provide a safe place and prevent gender discrimination that the DMRC intended.

“The NHRC has issued a notice to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) after taking cognizance of a complaint requesting the removal of misleading signages on its toilets for transgender people,” the rights panel said in a statement, ANI reported.

On August 29, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had allowed transgender passengers to access separate toilet facilities at metro stations, which were earlier meant for specially-abled persons. Besides, any transgender person who wished to use a gender-based toilet as per selfidentified gender could also continue to do so.

Symbol “T” To Be Displayed Instead Of Half-Male

Female Symbol

The Commission has now called for an action report from the DMRC’s directors of works and projects within six weeks. It has directed Delhi Metro to put down bilingual signage that mentions ‘Ubhayalingi’ and instead use transliteration of the term ‘Transgender Person’ in Hindi. Also, the symbol ‘T’ should be displayed instead of the ”half male-half female symbol.

As per the complainant’s request, the right body has also directed DMRC to issue a fresh press release after the required changes are made. Besides, a complaint officer should be notified for violations of provisions of the Transgender Persons Act, NHRC said.

Courtesy : TLI

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