Focus on Dignity and Inclusion
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of NHRC, will grace the event as the Chief Guest. The gathering will bring together government officials, policymakers, judicial experts, academics, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and community leaders for a day-long dialogue on advancing transgender rights in India.
The conference will review the implementation of landmark measures such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and the SMILE scheme. It will also propose reforms to strengthen institutional care, reduce stigma, and expand access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Transgender persons have long been part of India’s cultural fabric, historically celebrated in literature and traditions but later pushed to the margins of society. The Supreme Court’s judgment in NALSA v. Union of India (2014) marked a turning point, recognising the right to self-identification and affirming transgender persons as the “third gender.”
This was reinforced by the 2019 Act and NHRC’s 2023 advisory on ensuring equal access to welfare, healthcare, education, and employment. These milestones reflect the community’s transition from invisibility to recognition and now towards meaningful inclusion.
Garima Greh and Policy Challenges
A key welfare initiative under discussion will be the Garima Greh programme, originally piloted with 12 shelters across nine states to support destitute adult transgender persons. Integrated into the SMILE scheme, it provides safe shelter, healthcare, skill development, and livelihood opportunities. However, the initiative has faced funding delays, limited coverage, and operational challenges, prompting NHRC to conduct field assessments and prepare a comprehensive policy report.
Conference Themes and Sessions
The event will feature four sessions followed by a valedictory. The first session will evaluate Garima Greh shelters, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The second will explore institutional care for gender non-conforming children and elderly transgender persons.
The third session will examine law enforcement reforms, including the establishment of Transgender Protection Cells and greater representation in police and security forces. The final session, Unlocking Employment, Defying Challenges – Stories of Triumph, will highlight skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities while showcasing inspiring stories of resilience.
A Step Toward Lasting Change
The NHRC underlines that the integration of transgender persons is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. The deliberations are expected to strengthen inclusive policies, build accountability, and reaffirm India’s commitment to equality, dignity, and justice for all.