NHRC Conference Marks India’s Shift from Recognition to Respect for Transgender Rights
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
New Delhi, Sep,4,2025- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, today organized a day-long National Conference on “Rights of Transgender Persons: Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The conference was inaugurated by NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian in the presence of Amit Yadav, Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), Bharat Lal, Secretary General, NHRC, along with senior government officials, representatives from key ministries, judicial and legal experts, policymakers, civil society organizations, UN agencies, law enforcement authorities, academicians, and transgender community leaders.
The event aimed to deliberate on policy reforms, legal frameworks, and inclusive measures to protect and promote the rights of transgender persons across the country.
In his inaugural address, Chairma NHRC Justice V. Ramasubramanian invoked the Isavasya and Chandogya Upanishads, highlighting that India’s ancient philosophy viewed every element of creation as divine, questioning how discrimination against any section of humanity could persist. He noted that despite constitutional and legal advances like the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, transgender persons still face widespread stigma in education, health, employment, and housing. He added that the NHRC conference aims to address these challenges, especially as parts of the Act remain under judicial review.
Mr.Amit Yadav, Secretary, MoSJE, stressed the government’s commitment to equality under Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution, citing initiatives like the Garima Greh shelters, SMILE scheme, National Portal for Transgender Persons, skill training, and Rozgar Melas to boost education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. He also called for stronger private sector participation and public awareness efforts.
Mr. Bharat Lal, Secretary General, NHRC, emphasized that a society’s progress is measured by how it treats its most marginalized. He highlighted historical injustices like the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871, and Section 377 of the IPC, while noting recent reforms, including NHRC advisories on LGBTQ+ rights and welfare programs. The NHRC also released a report titled “Transgender Persons: Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices – Insights from Garima Greh Shelters and Beyond”, recommending stronger shelter management, healthcare coverage, skill development, legal reforms, and workplace protections for transgender persons.
The conference featured technical sessions on strengthening Garima Greh shelters, institutional care for transgender children and elderly, building inclusive law enforcement frameworks, and enhancing employment opportunities. Panelists included senior government officials, UN representatives, activists, and members of the transgender community, who shared success stories and challenges.
In the valedictory session, Mr. Bharat Lal reiterated the need for education, healthcare access, and social inclusion, while Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, called for scaling up efforts nationwide and pledged policy support to make India a leader in transgender rights rooted in constitutional and cultural values.
