Dalit anganwadi worker alleges caste boycott over meals in Odisha village
The kitchen helper claimed villagers urged beneficiaries to reject food prepared by her and pressured her to resign, forcing officials to intervene after the centre was locked. BARGARH : A dalit woman appointed as kitchen helper at an anganwadi centre in Jharbandh block has accused a section of villagers of persuading beneficiaries to boycott the food prepared by her because of her caste and pressurising her to quit the job. The woman, 23-year-old Padmini Jagat, was appointed as a kitchen helper at the anganwadi centre in Dewanpali village around two months ago. She alleged that since her joining, some villagers have been asking parents not to send their children to the centre and discouraging beneficiaries from consuming meals, eggs and chhatua prepared by her as she belongs to the Scheduled Caste community. Padmini further alleged that the villagers have organised two meetings to pressurise her father Abhadut Jagat into asking her to resign from the post. The controversy escalated on Wednesday when a group of villagers allegedly locked the anganwadi centre, disrupting its functioning. The closure deprived children, pregnant women and lactating mothers of supplementary nutrition and other services provided through the centre. Padmini said she was among three candidates who had applied for the post and appointed through due process. “Soon after my appointment, some villagers tried to force my father to ask me to withdraw. However, I joined the centre and continued working. After the schools reopened recently, they again tried to intimidate us following which my father asked them to give a written letter stating that they were unwilling to send their children to the anganwadi centre because I belong to the dalit community.” Recalling the village meetings, Abhadut said, “Villagers repeatedly pressurised me and said they would seek appointment of someone else after Padmini resigned. ‘Do you want us to eat food cooked by a Ganda? How can we send our children there?’ they questioned.” Jharbandh CDPO Susama Patel said the newly-appointed helper had not informed her about such an incident. “After learning about it, I visited Dewanpali along with the local tehsildar on Thursday and held discussions with the villagers. They assured us of their cooperation following which the anganwadi centre was unlocked.” The CDPO said she will make a follow-up visit to the village to ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
In A First, Kerala-Based Mar Thoma Church To Give Membership To Transgenders
With this, it has become the first Christian church in India to allow transgender persons to become members of the church. Thiruvananthapuram: In a historic decision, the Mar Thoma Church leadership in Kerala has decided to give church membership to transgender persons. The Episcopal Synod of the church held on Wednesday decided that there is no legal obstacle in granting membership to transgender persons. With this, the Mar Thoma Church has become the first Christian church in India to allow transgender persons to become members of the church. Dr Theodosius Mar Thoma Metropolitan, the Supreme Patriarch of the Mar Thoma Church, told ETV Bharat that the church had not previously banned transgender people. The transgender persons were never restricted from freedom of worship in any church before. However, the act of granting new membership to a church is considered a first in the history of Christian churches in India, he said. The decision to grant church membership to transgender persons in the Mar Thoma Church has been warmly welcomed, according to Father Mathew Philip Idivi, Director of the Mar Thoma Navodaya Movement Society, which works for transgender individuals under the church. There are very few transgender believers in the Marthoma Church. With this decision, people from other churches are expressing interest in joining the Mar Thoma church, he said. He said that there are nearly 25,000 transgenders in Kerala and a quarter of them are likely Christians. Mathew Philip clarified that he has been working among them for 12 years. Although funeral rites and other prayers could be conducted for those born into the church or who have become members, the church has not yet authorized marriages for transgender persons. The church still believes that altering any part of the human body is against divine will. At the Maramon Convention in 2018, two transgender persons, Selin Thomas Lakshmi and Sreekutti, addressed the convention, speaking about gender justice and the need to accept the transgender community. The Mar Thoma Church has historically organized conventions such as this. The church had previously taken revolutionary decisions, such as allowing funeral services and care for believers who committed suicide, which other churches followed. Until then, many Christian churches refused to perform funeral rites or provide care for believers who committed suicide, arguing that it was against divine will. Courtesy : ETV Bharat Note: This news is originally published on https:/etvbharat.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Karnataka CM Shivakumar tells ministers to tour all districts, review drought
The CM said the cabinet has decided to hold a 15-day monsoon session of joint legislature in August, though it is usually convened in July, after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. BENGALURU: The State cabinet on Thursday discussed the impending drought situation in the state due to scanty rain. After the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he has instructed his 13 ministers to visit all 31 districts and conduct review meetings. “I, too, will tour all four administrative divisions and review the situation on the ground,” he said, briefing the media.” The PM has already issued a strong warning. There is a possibility of a severe shortage of both water and electricity across the country due to the prevailing weather conditions. At present, reservoirs such as Tungabhadra, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Almatti, Narayanpur and Vanivilas Sagar are recording zero inflow,” he remarked. “Even in the Cauvery basin, inflow has reduced drastically. Last year, Hemavathi had 88tmcft of water, but today it has come down to 40tmcft. KRS had 100tmcft last year, whereas today it is at 22tmcft; Kabini had 79tmcft but it is now at 26tmcft. Overall, reservoir inflows have fallen to just 20 per cent,” he elaborated. 15-day monsoon session in August after SIR “This is a matter of serious concern. I appeal to farmers not to sow crops relying solely on reservoir water. If there is no water, we will not be able to release water for irrigation,” Shivakumar warned. He suggested that farmers should decide on raising water-intensive crops based on the progress of the monsoon and until reservoirs are adequately filled. Terming it a major concern across the country, he hoped for good rainfall during the rest of the season so that water can be released for agriculture. The Centre has warned about the possibility of a severe drought in the country, Shivakumar said, adding that he has already directed departments to stock adequate coal and other essential resources to ensure there is no shortage. A gas-based power facility in Bengaluru will also be kept ready for use if required,” he said. The CM said the cabinet has decided to hold a 15-day monsoon session of joint legislature in August, though it is usually convened in July, after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The process will conclude with the announcement of the draft roll on August 5, and until then, MLAs and officials will be engaged in ensuring that eligible voters remain on the electoral rolls in their respective constituencies, he reasoned. “Leaders from all political parties are also occupied with this exercise, and we don’t want to disturb them. I will fix a date for the Assembly session, either in the first or second week of August,” he said. Shivakumar stressed BLOs are required to deliver the forms at doorsteps, and no MLA or political party worker is authorised to distribute them. BLOs must visit each household and make three attempts if the voter is unavailable, and political parties may assist through their Booth Level Agents, but actual distribution of forms must be done only by BLOs, he said. ‘Prajaseva’ to address woes The CM said ‘Prajaseva’, a new department set up to address public grievances, will have a designated minister. He instructed all ministers to hold grievance meetings twice a month in every assembly constituency on the first and third Saturdays along with the MLAs concerned. The department will serve as a platform for people to present their problems, including those raised through protests, and will resolve public issues and ensure the concerns are communicated to the appropriate departments and officials. “Wherever protests take place, ministers and officers will receive applications, and wherever legally permissible, process them and provide assistance. The grievances will then be forwarded to the department,” he elaborated. Harsh Gupta, Chairman, Karnataka Appellate Tribunal, Bengaluru, was posted as principal secretary, Prajaseva department. He will also hold concurrent charge of the post of KAT Chairman. Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Manipur: Violence erupts again, 20 village houses burnt
The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney condemned Thursday’s early morning arson attack at Leikot Kuki village in Noney district, allegedly carried out by the rebel group NSCN-IM. GUWAHATI: After a lull for a few days, violence in Manipur involving Naga and Kuki communities has resumed. The Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong and Noney condemned Thursday’s early morning arson attack at Leikot Kuki village in Noney district, allegedly carried out by the rebel group NSCN-IM. The organisation said the village volunteers had attempted to defend the village with “limited resources and licenced single-barrel firearms” but the attackers used sophisticated weapons, including mortar shells. “Unable to withstand the assault, the village volunteers were compelled to withdraw, following which Leikot Kuki Village was reportedly set ablaze and extensively damaged,” the organisation alleged in a statement. It appealed to state and Central governments to immediately institute a “thorough and impartial” investigation into the incident, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that justice is delivered at the earliest. “Failure to address the grievances of the affected people and bring the perpetrators to justice may further aggravate the prevailing situation and lead to undesirable consequences,” it warned. Prasanta Mazumdar Courtesy : TNIE Note: This news is originally published on https:/thenewindianexpress.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Rahul Gandhi calls on ‘Gen Z comrades’ to join mega rally in Kota, targets Centre over paper leaks and jobs
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to address a mega rally in Kota today, accusing the BJP government of “shattering millions of dreams” through paper leaks and exam mismanagement, even as a political row erupted over allegations that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s office tried to derail the event. Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot claimed on Tuesday that calls were being made from Birla’s office to Kota coaching centres and guest houses, warning them against allowing students to attend Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled interaction at Dussehra Maidan. Videos circulating on social media showed posters publicising Gandhi’s event being removed in Kota, triggering sharp reactions from the Congress. “LoP is visiting the constituency of the Lok Sabha Speaker and he should be welcomed. Instead, an atmosphere has been created where Birla ji himself is opposing the visit and wants to ensure no one attends the programme,” Gehlot said. “It does not befit the Speaker to create such circumstances that instill fear in the minds of educational institutions and ordinary people.” The BJP staged a counter-protest, with former minister Rajendra Rathore calling Gehlot’s allegations “extremely irresponsible and unfortunate.” Also read | Om Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok GehlotOm Birla’s office tried to derail Rahul Gandhi’s Kota event, says Ashok Gehlot Congress: Youth face ‘two examinations’ Congress leader Pawan Khera asserted on Wednesday that Indian youth have to face “two examinations” — one at the examination center whose papers get leaked, and the other of “their patience, their courage, and their perseverance” for having to deal with dual struggles. “Our youth don’t face just one, but two examinations. One is the one that takes place in the examination center, whose papers get leaked. And the second is of their patience, their courage, and their perseverance,” Khera said in a post on X. He added that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party “will not remain silent on this injustice,” calling it “a major issue in our political agenda, because it is not just a question of the students, but of the entire society and the future of India. Nationwide movement to expand According to All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, the first phase of the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign commences today from Kota and will continue with protests scheduled for Prayagraj, Patna and Delhi. According to the campaign website, rahulgandhi. in, “Chhatron Ki Goonj is a nationwide movement led by Rahul Gandhi, bringing together millions of students and young Indians whose hard work, dreams, and futures have been undermined by paper leaks, examination irregularities, and rising fees.” The site describes it as “a platform for young people to raise their voice, share their experiences, and demand accountability for repeated failures in India’s education system.” Rahul Gandhi’s message to students “My young and Gen Z comrades, one thing is clear in my mind, and you too should etch it in your heart: securing the future of every youth in India is the government’s responsibility. But responsibility and honesty — both are beyond the Modi government’s way of thinking,” Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post. He listed paper leaks, exam mismanagement, cancelled recruitments, skyrocketing fees, privatisation and scams as “tools” the government is using to destroy students’ futures. “Every paper leak, every canceled exam, every stalled recruitment – these aren’t just failures of the system, but blows struck against the dreams of millions,” he said. “I know you’re exhausted. You’re angry. But remember this – when the government refuses to listen, you have to raise your voice louder. That’s why I’m calling on all of you – June 17, Kota. Students’ Echo. Let’s come together and become a roar that can’t be ignored. Starting from Kota – then reaching every corner of the country,” he said. “This is a fight for your future. And I’m with you,” he added. NEET re-exam scheduled for June 21 The rally comes just days before the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, from 2.00 pm to 5.15 pm. The National Testing Agency scheduled the retest following the cancellation of the May 3 exam due to paper leak controversies. The issue has also drawn attention to the temporary ban on Telegram imposed by the NTA ahead of the re-examination, which the agency said was necessary to prevent fraudsters from circulating fake question papers. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
“Following Ambedkar’s ideas is so…” 14-year-old Dalit content creator receives open rape threats! Why she became an online target, read the full story
A case has come to light in Delhi where a young man named ‘Gaurav Hindu’ publicly threatened and abused a minor. Nishu appealed to the Delhi Police for help in a video released on June 30. Delhi – Nishu Azad, a 14-year-old Dalit social media creator, is receiving open rape threats. Earlier, during the CJP’s Jantar Mantar protest, her father was attacked in an organized attack, his head was torn apart with a rod, and he received stitches in three places. Nishu is in trauma, and the family is pleading for justice and protection. Nishu Azad was active in the CJP movement. She and her father had declared themselves separate from Hinduism. They clearly stated that they do not consider themselves Hindus. This statement went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among conservative groups. This led to online trolling and then a physical attack. On June 23rd, Nishu’s father was recording a video at Jantar Mantar when a gang of about 15 people attacked him. One attacker smashed the camera, then took out a bracelet and repeatedly struck him on the head, causing deep injuries to three parts of his head. Following the attack, Nishu Azad released an emotional video, identifying the accused, who were roaming in the high-security zone. She stated that the attack was carried out because of her statements and her active participation in the CJP protests. Now, Nishu is receiving repeated rape threats from individuals, including Gaurav Hindu. In a video released on June 30th, Nishu herself appealed to the Delhi Police for help. In her video, Nishu says, “I’m in trauma. I’ve been tolerating this for three days… People are abusing me, saying I won’t live long… Gaurav Hindu is threatening me… I don’t want to speak for myself… He’s making such threats.” Crying, Nishu continues, “I’m not scared, but I’m in trauma… Can showing people the truth and telling them the truth… Can following Ambedkar’s ideals be so costly? The police aren’t taking any action on this.” Expressing her helplessness, Nishu asks what she should do, against whom should she file an FIR. Following Nishu’s video, several Bahujan handles have voiced their support. Social media users are demanding the arrest of the accused who made rape threats and casteist abuses against the minor. What the Law Says: Strict Provisions on Rape Threats Indian law is very strict on the abuse of minor children. Any accused who openly made rape threats to a 14-year-old Dalit content creator like Nishu Azad can be charged with several serious sections. Sexual threats or attempts to commit a crime against a minor (under 18 years of age) also fall under the POCSO Act. Threats of rape are punishable under Sections 11 (sexual harassment) and 12 (criminal intimidation). The punishment can be a minimum of 3 to 5 years in prison and a fine. If the threat clearly contains sexual intent, it is considered more serious. Since Nishu belongs to the Dalit community, if the threat involves caste-based insults or hatred, sections of the SC/ST Act can also be invoked. This Act provides additional protection and speedy trial for such crimes. Action can also be taken for rape threats made on social media. The victim or their guardian can file a written complaint at the police station. Delhi Police should immediately register an FIR. POCSO cases require timely investigation and trial in a child-friendly court. Screenshots, videos, messages, and witness statements are important as evidence. Geetha Sunil Pillai Courtesy: Hindi News
A deadly attack on a couple in Kurara: Violent men dragged the husband and allegedly assaulted the woman; police investigating.
A Dalit family has been fatally attacked in Umraht village, under the Kurara police station area of Hamirpur. It is alleged that the violators entered the home, attacked the couple, and mistreated the woman. The woman’s husband was seriously injured in the incident. The victim has appealed to the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police for justice and protection. In a complaint letter to the Superintendent of Police, the victim, Keshkali, wife of Santram, stated that the incident occurred at around 12:15 a.m. on June 28, 2026. Keshkali was sleeping with her family in the veranda of their home when some villagers entered their home armed with sticks and illegal firearms. It is alleged that the attackers abused and attacked the couple. They brutally beat Keshkali’s husband, Santram, and dragged him about 100 feet from their home to Ramu’s house. Santram was also severely assaulted there, leaving him bleeding and seriously injured. The victim also accused the main accused of assault, snatching, and molestation. The complaint also states that the main accused is a criminal. A case against him under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code is already pending in court at the Kurara police station. The victims filed a written complaint at the Kurara police station on the night of the incident. Subsequently, the police arranged for their medical examinations at the Primary Health Center (PHC) Kurara. However, the victims allege that instead of taking strict action against the accused, the police charged both parties under sections of “disturbing the peace.” In a letter submitted to the Superintendent of Police, the victim stated that the police’s lax action has emboldened the perpetrators. The victim and her entire family face a serious threat to their lives and property. She has urged the Hamirpur Superintendent of Police to intervene in the matter and take strict legal action against all the accused. Dinesh Kumar | Patara, Hamirpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Madhya Pradesh: Dalits and tribals suffering from low compensation in the Ken-Betwa Link Project
Chura Ahirwar, former sarpanch of Palkonha village, explains, “The main problem with the project is low compensation. In the village, some are being given Rs. 30,000, some Rs. 50,000, and some Rs. 1 lakh for their houses. With such low compensation, people can’t even buy the stones for their houses.” Read this report The Ken-Betwa Link Project in Madhya Pradesh is a river linking project. The project was approved for implementation under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project involves transferring water from the Ken River to the Betwa River. The project cost is estimated at Rs. 44,605 crore. The project is estimated to irrigate a total of 10.62 lakh hectares annually. Meanwhile, 2.3 million trees will be cut for the project. Approximately 1,913 families will be affected by the project, and approximately 9,000 hectares of land will be submerged. In such a situation, the people primarily affected by this project are Dalits and tribals. They also face the threat of displacement. The biggest challenge in the project is the need for adequate compensation. For years, affected people have been taking steps like submitting memorandums and protesting to secure adequate compensation. Last April, the demand for compensation for the affected people took the form of a widespread Panchtatva Satyagraha movement. This movement began on April 5, 2026, and lasted for approximately 12 days. The affected people participated in the Panchtatva Satyagraha by smearing mud on their bodies, lying on pyres, committing symbolic hangings, conducting Jal Satyagraha, fasting, and extinguishing their stoves. During this period, slogans such as “Our village – your arbitrariness will not be tolerated” were raised. Ultimately, the affected people threatened a massive movement and gave the administration time to reconsider the compensation issue. We visited the rural areas of Panna district to understand the pain of the people affected by this project. These areas include Palkonha, Kadwara, Naiguwan, etc. in the Bijawar tehsil of the district. First, we arrive in Palkonha. Near the main road in this village, we discuss compensation with some villagers. Madanlal Ahirwar (50), a Scheduled Caste member, tells us, “I have been paid 30,000 rupees in compensation for my two-story house. We filed an application complaining about the low compensation, but have received no response. Can 30,000 rupees even lay the foundation for a house today?” Nanni Bai Ahirwar (70) is left without adequate compensation. She says, “I have two rooms in my house, for which I have not received any compensation. Similarly, my elder son’s house has not received compensation. Everything we have is at stake in this project. How will we manage our lives if we don’t receive adequate compensation?” Further into the village, near a platform, we meet Rammu Ahirwar (65) and Chura Ahirwar (48). In conversation, Rammu says, “My house cost around 10 lakh rupees. But I only received 4.5 lakh rupees in compensation. With that, we can’t rebuild our house like before.” He further adds, “Due to the lack of compensation, villagers are unable to go to cities like Indore, Bhopal, Delhi, and Mumbai for livelihood. Those who received little or no compensation are unable to build their own houses or get their sons and daughters married.” Chura Ahirwar, the former village sarpanch, adds, “The main problem with the project is the low compensation. Some in the village are being given 30 thousand rupees for a house, some 50 thousand rupees, and some 1 lakh rupees for a house. With such low compensation, people can’t even buy the stones for their houses.” After talking with the villagers of Palkonha, we head to Naiguwan village. We reach Naiguwan in about 30 minutes by bike. In this village, we meet some villagers near a banyan tree. Shakuntala Saur (40), a tribal woman, earns her living by working as a laborer. Sadly, she explains, “The government provides over 1 lakh rupees under the housing scheme. However, the compensation for our house is only 60,000 rupees. Just imagine, is this justice done to us? Who can build a house with this much? It can’t even build a proper toilet and bathroom.” As soon as Shakuntala finishes her sentence, Andu Saur (52) adds, “Our two-story house falls in the submergence zone of the project, and we haven’t received any compensation yet. When we complain to the officials about compensation, they say it will come…it will come. But we don’t know when it will come.” Then, we speak with Bihari Saur (55) about the project’s problems. He says, “The reason we haven’t received adequate compensation under this project is because of the lack of a proper survey. The officials didn’t conduct the compensation survey door-to-door, but instead gathered villagers together in one place. This has led to irregularities in the compensation.” After learning about the compensation issue in Palkonha village, we headed towards Kadwara village. We reached Kadwara by bike in about 40 minutes. In this village, we chatted with some villagers near a public water tap. Hakka Ahirwar (40 years old), a Scheduled Caste, says, “Our family, Bablu, Chandu, and I, three brothers, rely on 11 acres of agricultural land for our livelihood. This was acquired for the project. We received compensation of Rs. 5 lakh per acre for this land. However, when we go to buy land, we get Rs. 10-12 lakh per acre. Consequently, we are unable to purchase land. This is the problem faced by the farmers whose land is submerged in the project.” He further says, “We have only had the skill of farming for generations. The government hasn’t given us any other skills, nor has it provided any employment. Meanwhile, the government is paying 5 lakh rupees per acre as compensation for the land. At the same time, it’s deducting 5 lakh rupees from the residential plot being given to us. Is this fair?” Divya Ahirwar (60 years old) explains, “We received 2 lakh rupees in compensation for our two-story house. I spent 40 thousand rupees seven years ago to get a borewell installed in
Main accused arrested in Dalit youth’s death case: Died during treatment after assault, search for others intensified
Police have arrested Saurabh, the main accused, in the case of the death of Dalit youth Shyamveer Pratap Singh alias Sonu during treatment in Ujaramau village of Rajepur police station area in Farrukhabad. Following his arrest, the accused was produced in court and sent to jail in judicial custody. According to police, Shyamveer Pratap Singh was seriously injured in a fight on the night of June 18th due to an old rivalry. Family members allege that the accused assaulted him using casteist slurs. The injured youth was first referred to CHC Rajepur, then to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, and later to Hallet Hospital in Kanpur, where he died during treatment. Section 105 added after death A case was registered under relevant sections at the Rajepur police station based on the complaint of the deceased’s brother. Following the young man’s death, Section 105 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was added to the case. Given the seriousness of the matter, a special police team was formed under the direction of Station House Officer Nagendra Singh. Based on continuous raids and technical evidence, police, led by Sub-Inspector Ashutosh Singh, arrested the main accused, Saurabh. Police stated that no culprit will be spared. Station House Officer Nagendra Singh stated that a thorough investigation into the case is ongoing. Based on the available evidence, strict legal action will be taken against all the accused, and no one will be spared. Sundram Singh | Amritpur Courtesy: Hindi News
Parliament passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026 with Rajya Sabha approving it today
Parliament has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, with the Rajya Sabha approving it today. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha yesterday by a voice vote amid an Opposition-led walkout. The bill seeks to redefine the category of transgender, removes the provision of self-perceived gender identity and excludes several socio-cultural identities as well as transmasculine individuals from its ambit. It also further defines transgender persons within a biological framework, based on intersex variations and differences in sexual development. Replying to the discussion on the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said the government is compassionate towards the well-being of the transgender community. He said the Bill has provisions to empower the transgenders and give them dignity. The Minister said that the NDA government has taken several initiatives to bring transgender people to the mainstream and stop discrimination against them. Starting the discussion in the Upper House, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury said this bill dilutes the privacy of an individual provided under the Constitution. Opposing the Bill, Ms Chowdhury said self-identification cannot be taken away through bureaucratic certification. Criticizing the government, she said that the proposed bill undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of transgender persons. Calling such a move wrong and illegal, she argued that forcing transgender persons to provide their identity through official certificates is against the spirit of equality and dignity guaranteed by the constitution. She also questioned the government’s approach for not properly consulting with the transgender community before bringing the Bill. She also referred to the Supreme Court’s landmark NALSA judgement of 2014, which recognized the right of transgender persons to self-identify their gender. Ms Chowdhury said the proposed Bill violates the principles laid down in that judgement and fails to respect an already established legal framework. DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva also opposed the Bill, saying that even if the Bill is passed in Parliament with a majority, it will be struck down by the Supreme Court. He further added that the Bill violates Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and it deprives the community of the right to freedom, dignity and self-determination. Supporting the Bill, BJP MP Medha Vishram Kulkarni said, ” This Bill ensures justice, dignity, protection from criminalisation and legal safeguards for transgender persons. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing this bill with certain amendments in order to ensure that the benefits reach the deserving people in a proper manner. She said there is a need for a law that brings justice to real transgender individuals and punishes fake ones. Mrs Kulkarni said the benefits should be extended to those who are transgender by birth. She said that the amendment to extend punishment will bring down the rate of crime and forced identities. TMC’s Saket Gokhale said that 31% of Transgender people in India have attempted suicide because of the discrimination that they are facing. He alleged that now the government is going to start discriminating against them as though social discrimination were not enough. He called it unacceptable. Mr Gokhale expressed concern that gender is going to be decided by the Chief Medical Officer and a District Magistrate, and the bill does not prescribe any qualifications for the Chief Medical Officer. Sanjay Singh of AAP said the Bill is a big let-down for the transgender community. He accused the government of not doing anything for the community. RJD’s Manoj Kr Jha said that prejudices against transgender people should stop, and they should be able to live with dignity. He added that self-determination of gender should not be taken away. CPI(M)’s John Brittas said it is a black-letter day and the Bill is taking India a century back. He pleaded with the government to either withdraw the Bill or refer it to a Select Committee. Jaya Bachchan of the Samajwadi Party also questioned the government over the legislation. She sought to know what the urgency was in bringing the Bill, without examining it with the depth and care that it deserved. Courtesy : NOA Note: This news is originally published on https:/newsonair.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights