Railways relaxes Physical Efficiency Test norm for transgender

NEW DELHI: For the first time, Indian Railways has relaxed the norms for transgender appearing for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for level-1 jobs (gangman or track maintainers). The PET for transgender will be equivalent to the PET standards set for female candidates.

In a recent communication to all general managers, production units and Railway Recruitment Cells, the Railway Board has said the “relaxations shall be applicable in all future level-l recruitment.”

The circular also specifies that the gender given by transgender in the online application may be used for giving relaxation in PET. “Their transgender status will be verified later at the time of medical examination and in case found wrong their total candidature may be cancelled,” it said.

During the ongoing recruitment for level-1 jobs in railways, 2.68 lakh candidates have been shortlisted. While only one candidate shortlisted for the PET is a transgender, more than 90% of the shortlisted are male (2.53 lakh) and there are only 15,000 females who will appear for the test.

Sources said this relaxation may encourage more transgender to apply for such jobs. “The Board has put enough provisions to ensure that none misuses this relaxation. It has been done with a good intent to give ample opportunities to the third gender to get jobs,” said an official.

Courtesy : TOI

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