In an appreciative move, the Delhi University is now planning to reach out to transgenders and help to ease the admission processes of students, reported The Times of India. The institute had established Transgender Resource Centre (TRC) in 2018 and had introduced ‘third gender’ category five years back, but no transgender students as of now had enrolled in any regular programme provided by the university.
University partnered with NGOs
Rajesh, who is a professor in the department of Adult and Continuing Address Education and Extension had told TOI that the university has failed to get students to the centres which are for counselling and guidance. However, with this programme to reach aspirants, the centre believes that there will be a gradual increase in students turnout. Rajesh further said that the programme would not only include student volunteers but will also partner with NGO working with the transgender community.
As of now, the TRC has already collaborated with the Haryana state aids control societies and Delhi’s National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) to understand and locate the areas for these programmes. Rajesh further appreciating the collaboration undertaken by the university said that several transgender students visit NACO and various state societies with their issues. He also said that the university could actually utilise these resources to help these people.
What is the outreach programme?
The outreach programme is set up to help students receive information and aid them during the online admission process. The programme will consist of counselling and demonstrations sessions to help students to understand the entire admission process. The TRC is also likely to have words with the women professors and students to revoke the rule which bars transgenders from getting admission in all women colleges under DU.
Rajesh frowning upon the lack of options available for transgenders in Indian education system said that basic requirements like gender neutral hostels and washroom are still absent in most of the institutes. He further said that the outreach programme would be the first step where the students will help transgender students to obtain their basic rights.
Reported by The Logical Indian
~Preksha Mishra
