India's NHRC urges distinct transgender categories in upcoming Census

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended that the 2024 Census of India include separate columns for "Intersex," "Transmen" and "Transwomen." The advisory, addressed to the secretaries of 11 ministries and state chief secretaries, also calls for a review of existing laws—including the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, Juvenile Justice Act and succession statutes—to recognize self‑identified gender and protect the rights of transgender and intersex persons.

Key actions proposed by the NHRC include ensuring equal inheritance and property rights, facilitating admission of transgender students to schools and colleges based on self‑identified gender, and strengthening shelters and support services for elderly transgender individuals. The commission has asked all authorities to implement the recommendations and submit an Action Taken Report within two months. The move follows earlier advisories and aligns with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, aiming to improve socio‑economic conditions for gender‑diverse communities in India.