हिंदी
Chandigarh, 12 October:
Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, fervently organized an Awareness Event for the implementation of the The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 in the city’s educational institutions in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, UT Chandigarh Administration on 12th October, 2023. Col. RM Joshi, Registrar, PEC extended a heartiest welcome to Mr. Amit, a Counselor from Transgender Protection Cell, Transgender Welfare Board: UT, Chandigarh. Dr. D.R. Prajapati (Dean of Student Affairs), also graced the occasion.
Initially, Col. RM Joshi, Registrar PEC, introduced Mr. Amit to the faculty members, and to the gathering present. He briefed about the Act, and its main purpose to the audience present. He stressed upon the need of such acts, to provide an inclusive environment to the transgenders. Furthermore, he also spoke about the taboo, and discrimination which was prevalent in the society, a few years back. But now the situations are changing rapidly, people and administration are coming up with more acceptability towards all kinds of genders. Lastly, he thanked the UT Administration, and the Parliament of the country for implementing such acts, to remove all the patches of discrimination.
Moving forward, Mr. Amit made the members of the staff aware about the various guidelines and prerequisites as per the The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 for the admission of the Transgender students to various educational institutions. While explaining about the act, he also said that, the Transgender Welfare Board, UT, Chandigarh included 26 members, 2 non-official members (these 2 are transgender), under the chairmanship of ADC. This Board works for the welfare of the transgender community and formulates policies for the same. Furthermore, he explained various points about maintaining an inclusive atmosphere for the transgender people. He stressed upon the fact that every institution needs to establish an Anti-discrimination Cell and appoint a Complaint Officer to register any cases of discrimination against the transgender students. The Officer would be required to submit a report on the same within 15 days. He also apprised that these students would be given various benefits such as Free Hostel Accommodation, Free textbooks, Mess facility at subsidized rates. Mr. Amit also informed about the fact that transgender people can apply for Identity Cards as well that can be submitted to the office of DC or SDM of their specific area. He also talked about the inclusion prevalent in the ancient times as of Shikhandi in Mahabharata. Lastly, he thanked the Govt. of India, for coming with the declaration of ‘Third Gender’ for trans gender people in 2014.
Dr. D.R. Prajapati (Dean of Student Affairs), also appreciated the role played by Transgender Welfare Board, along with UT Administration for coming up with this idea of establishing an Anti-discrimination Cell at every institution.
Lastly, Dr. D.R. Prajapati (DSA) along with Col. R. M. Joshi, (Registrar) thanked Mr. Amit for such an insightful session and presented him with a small token of love.
