Articles 15(1) and 15(4) of the Indian Constitution empower the state to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes. Giving this reservation to the transgender community confirms this sentiment.
Bhopal. A historic decision has been taken in the upcoming organizational elections of Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress. The organization has given a strong message towards social justice by reserving a post of state general secretary for the transgender community. This step is not only important from the point of view of political inclusion, but also makes a resonant advocacy for the rights of marginalized communities in society.
The nomination process was completed by 5 pm on May 13. This is the first time within the Youth Congress that an attempt is being made to give representation to the transgender class in the leadership position. The demand for reservation for marginalized classes in political parties has been going on for a long time, but such examples are rare in practice. This decision of the Youth Congress can become an inspirational beginning in this direction.
A big step towards inclusion in politics
The transgender community has often fought for identity, respect and opportunity. Even after the Supreme Court granted legal recognition to the ‘third gender’ in 2014, their opportunities for representation in mainstream politics have been very limited. Youth Congress reserving the post of general secretary shows that the organization now wants to prepare the ground for change by giving this class an opportunity to lead.
Sociologists and human rights activists have praised this decision. Talking to The Mooknayak, sociologist Dr. Imtiaz Khan said, “Representation in politics is the basis of real participation. By giving reservation to the transgender community, Youth Congress has taken the initiative to give practical shape to the principle of social justice of the Constitution.”
The contribution of the transgender community in the politics of Madhya Pradesh has been historic and inspiring. But today the situation is at zero. In the year 2000, Shabnam Mausi won the by-election from Sohagpur assembly seat and got the honour of becoming the country’s first transgender MLA. She defeated candidates from major parties like BJP and Congress while contesting as an independent candidate and secured around 40.8% of the votes. Her victory paved a new path for the transgender community not only in the political arena but also at the social level. Shabnam Mausi stressed on issues like corruption, unemployment and poverty during her tenure and raised her voice for the rights of the transgender community in society.
Madhya Pradesh gave the country not only the first transgender MLA but also the first transgender mayor. In 1999, Kamla achieved this feat by winning the election for the post of mayor of Katni Municipal Corporation. However, later the court annulled her election, saying that she was not eligible for the women’s reserved seat. Despite this, Kamla ‘Bua’ won the mayor’s post in the Sagar Municipal Corporation election in 2009, which was another significant achievement for the transgender community.
These achievements opened new doors of participation in politics for the transgender community and promoted their acceptance in society. But then transgender representation was not seen.
Bhopal-based researcher Pragya Sharma, while talking to The Muknayak on the conditions of the transgender community, said that the biggest problem of this community is social disdain. Being kept away from the mainstream of society, discrimination and humiliating behavior have become the biggest reasons for backwardness in their lives. Their access to basic facilities like education, employment and health is extremely limited.
Pragya Sharma believes that political representation of the transgender community can prove to be a big initiative towards changing this situation. If they get an opportunity to participate in the decision-making process, they will not only be able to raise their voice, but will also be able to play an active role in policy making, which will ensure their rights and dignity.
The Constitution gives rights
Article 15(1) and 15(4) of the Indian Constitution gives the state the right to make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes. Giving this reservation to the transgender community confirms this sentiment. This decision has the potential to bring change not only in politics but also in society.
It is also clear under the Transgender Act, 2019 that governments and institutions should ensure special opportunities in employment and education for this community. Understanding this responsibility, Youth Congress has set a strong example by giving reservation in leadership roles.
Transgender Sanjana Singh welcomed the decision of the Congress Party and told The Mooknayak that the transgender community should get equal opportunities not only in the political field but in every field of life. She said that this step is a commendable initiative towards inclusiveness and equality, which will promote the participation of transgenders in society.
Congress Party is in favor of social justice
Speaking to The Mooknayak, Congress spokesperson Vivek Tripathi said, “The Youth Congress has reserved the post of state general secretary for the transgender community. This is a symbol of our commitment towards social justice. Our national president Mallikarjun Kharge and the entire party, including Rahul Gandhi, are in favour of giving political representation to the deprived and marginalised communities. Therefore, we are trying to bring such communities forward in the organisational structure. This initiative of the party will be recognised as a bold step in political history.”
Cortesy : Ankit Pachauri, Hindi News