Transgenders’ issues to be taken up too

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

After the UT Transgender Welfare Board raised issues of transgenders with Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh, it has decided to discuss these for the first time during the upcoming Syndicate meeting on November 19. 

The first issue is about hostel accommodation for transgenders and for that two to three rooms need to be earmarked. They are also facing difficulty in getting food, which can be provided to them at subsidised rates at the university hostel or mess.

There are issues of providing scholarships, fee waiver and textbooks. Separate washrooms are yet to be provided to them in university departments while the construction of a toilet for them has been completed at the Student Centre. 

There has also been a issue of starting a cell to deal with cases of discrimination against them. The office note of the PU says that since there is no provision for any welfare scheme or reservation policy for transgenders, various issues concerning them need to be considered by the Senate or Syndicate. 

At present, five transgenders, Divya (28) from the Hindi Department; Dhananjay Chauhan (46), Department of Human Rights and Duties; Oshin (20); Department of German; Preeti (19), Fashion Technology Department; and a 22-year-old student of ancient history have paid their fee through donations.

“Regarding seats for them, the governing bodies have to take a decision. On scholarships, we are of the view that since we do not have resources, either the Chandigarh Administration or some NGO should pay that. A toilet will be provided to them at the Student Centre,” said Prof Emanual Nahar, Dean, Students Welfare.