Haryana Human Rights Commission Supports Transgender Rights

Synopsis
The Haryana Human Rights Commission has issued a landmark ruling in favor of Aditi Sharma, a transgender rights advocate and founder of Haryana Public School. This decision promotes equal opportunities in education and reinforces the rights of the transgender community in Haryana.
Key Takeaways
- HHRC ruling supports transgender rights
- Aditi Sharma's school aims to educate the underprivileged
- Land regulations challenged for school recognition
- Emphasis on equality under the Constitution
- Government urged to take inclusive actions
Chandigarh, April 10 (NationPress) In a transformative move towards fostering equality and inclusivity in the educational landscape, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has delivered a groundbreaking ruling in support of transgender individual Aditi Sharma, the visionary behind Haryana Public School in Karnal, which was created with the objective of educating underprivileged youth.
Responding to Aditi Sharma’s complaint regarding the lack of recognition for her school due to land-related constraints, HHRC Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra, alongside Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, issued a comprehensive order highlighting the significance of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and Article 14 of the Constitution, which uphold the principles of equality and dignity for all citizens.
The commission has urged a compassionate and inclusive reassessment of the school's recognition status. Established in 2014-15, the school spans an area of 800 sq m, whereas the updated regulations stipulate a minimum of 1,500 sq m for formal recognition.
The commission noted that rejecting recognition solely based on land requirements undermines the essence of the Transgender Rights Act.
According to various sections of the Act, the state is mandated to guarantee access to education, opportunities for self-employment, and equitable treatment for transgender individuals.
This ruling references the pivotal NALSA vs. Union of India (2014) Supreme Court decision and the National Human Rights Commission’s advisory (2023), which highlight the necessity of providing equal opportunities to transgender persons.
The commission commended the complainant’s dedication to serving marginalized groups and encouraged the government to implement a more practical and inclusive strategy.
Puneet Arora, Officer of Protocol, Information, and Public Relations at the HHRC, informed the media that the Additional Chief Secretary (School Education) and the Director of Elementary Education must attend in person and present a detailed report at the next hearing scheduled for May 2.
This ruling not only affirms the rights of the transgender community but also signifies a crucial advancement towards establishing an inclusive and equitable society in Haryana.