Transgenders can enrol at SNDT in Mumbai University

A week after a workshop was held on the premises of SNDT Women’s University, Juhu, for members from transgender community, the authorities passed a proposal in April to enrol transgender candidates for distance learning courses from the upcoming academic year.

“Analysis is underway to understand what course they would want to apply for. Education facility for them would begin at their doorsteps once that is done. The pilot project will begin in Mumbai,” said Shashikala Wanjari, vice-chancellor of SNDT Women’s University.She added the project is aimed at practising social inclusion rather than just teaching it in classrooms.

HT had reported that the university has decided to have a box in its admission forms allowing students to identify themselves as transgenders.

Priya Patil, programme manager for NGO Kinnar Maa Ek Samajik Sanstha, said this was a result of their outreach to various universities.

“After the NALSA judgement, University Grants Commission (UGC) asked colleges to treat us on par with other genders. There is a social stigma attached to our community which is why a lot of members are forced to beg or work as sex workers. Providing us with an opportunity to study will help change the mindset of people. We are hopeful that things will change for us,” said Patil, adding the admissions will be given after an entrance exam.

As per 2011 census, total population of transgenders in the country was 4.88 Lakh with literacy rate of 56.07%.

In 2014, UGC directed universities and colleges to treat transgenders as third gender for the purpose of admission and make them eligible for various scholarships and programmes.

Accordingly, Mumbai university introduced a separate transgender box, in addition to male and female boxes, in 2015-16. Last month, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) announced it will provide gender-neutral hostel space to transgender and gender non-conforming students.