The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has urged the Social Welfare and Social Education Department to fully implement pending transgender welfare recommendations, strengthen inclusivity measures, comply with Supreme Court directions, and ensure equal rights, protection, and dignity for transgender persons across Tripura.
The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has called upon the Social Welfare and Social Education Department to ensure the complete implementation of its recommendations aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of transgender persons in the state. While reviewing the department’s compliance report, the Commission observed that several key recommendations remain either partially implemented or pending and directed the department to take further action in accordance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The Commission reviewed the implementation status of the recommendations it had issued on October 22, 2025, and examined the Action Taken Report submitted by the department on June 10, 2026. According to the report, the first three recommendations have been implemented. However, the Commission found that recommendations relating to awareness, institutional inclusion and public accessibility require further attention.
One of the pending recommendations focuses on promoting inclusivity and awareness regarding gender diversity through comprehensive sensitisation programmes. The Commission had recommended adopting an inclusive curriculum based on the National Council of Educational Research and Training’s (NCERT) 2021 training material titled Inclusion of Transgender Children in School Education: Concerns and Roadmap. It believes such initiatives would help create a more inclusive educational environment for transgender students.
Another recommendation called upon educational authorities, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and state education boards, to formulate institutional policies that guarantee equality for transgender, intersex and gender non-conforming students. These measures include recognising self-identified gender, preferred names and pronouns, ensuring equal opportunities in admissions, education, examinations, extracurricular activities and sports, and preventing discrimination in educational institutions.
The Commission also reiterated its recommendation to establish dedicated screening points for transgender persons at airports, metro stations, bus stands, seaports, shopping complexes, workplaces, malls, cinema halls and other public places. It further stressed the need for regular sensitisation programmes for security personnel to ensure respectful and dignified treatment of transgender individuals.
During the review, the department informed the Commission that letters had been issued to all government departments and organisations directing them to appoint complaint officers under Section 11 of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, read with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020. Several departments have already designated such officers, indicating substantial compliance with this recommendation.
However, the THRC noted that no formal notification has yet been issued to designate the Commission as the authority to hear objections from transgender persons aggrieved by decisions taken by heads of establishments under Rule 13(8) of the 2020 Rules. The Commission also took note of the department’s response regarding a proposed nationwide toll-free helpline for reporting violations of the Act and Rules, which it said falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. While acknowledging the response, the Commission observed that the matter remains unresolved.
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Emphasising that the Supreme Court has issued several additional directions concerning the protection of transgender rights, the Tripura Human Rights Commission directed the department to take all necessary steps to implement those directions in letter and spirit. The Commission reaffirmed that ensuring equality, dignity and protection for transgender persons remains essential for promoting an inclusive and rights-based society in the state.
