- Discussions on, a study group formed over the entry of transgenders in the Armed Forces.
- Currently, neither transgenders nor those who identify as homosexuals are accepted into the Armed Forces.
- The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and its implications are being examined by the Indian Armed Forces in order to determine potential employment opportunities and roles for transgender individuals.
- According to highly placed sources, the Principal Personnel Officers Committee (PPOC) formed a joint study group after its August meeting.
- Among the suggestions received, some insisted on not providing any special concessions to transgenders in terms of military training, rigorous selection standards, or postings in difficult locations.
The Indian military is reportedly discussing the possibilities of hiring transgenders in defence roles as it examines the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and its implications. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, was implemented in January 2020 with the objective of providing protection for the rights of transgender people, their welfare, and other related matters.
According to a media outlet, a joint study group was formed by the Principal Personnel Officers Committee (PPOC) after it met in August. The PPOC constitutes top officers of the three services and the AFMS is the triservice medical organisation of the Armed Forces.
The group is headed by a senior officer in the Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), the newspaper reported citing sources. It has been tasked with deliberating on the implications of the Act and suggesting a way forward for its implementation in the defence forces.
Recently, Army Adjutant General’s branch sought comments from its line directorates on the possibility of hiring transgenders, possible employment avenues, and the roles they could perform in the military. The newspaper, citing sources, reported it has received various comments and suggestions, which are at a preliminary stage.
Among the suggestions received, some insisted on not providing any special concessions to transgenders in terms of military training, rigorous selection standards, or postings in difficult locations, whereas others highlighted administrative and logistical difficulties such as their housing and other infrastructure.
There have also been questions on how they and their spouses would be identified in the military and raised doubts about their cultural integration with other serving military personnel, an officer privy to the development told Indian Express.
The development comes as the armed forces don’t recruit transgenders or people identifying as homosexuals.
(With inputs from agencies)
