Karnataka is the first state to reserve 1% seats for transgenders

BENGALURU: Karnataka has become the first state in the country to reserve one per cent seats for the ‘transgender’ community in all offices of the Government of Karnataka. The state government has submitted a report to the High Court regarding this as the notification has already been issued after amending the Karnataka Civil Services (General Recruitment) Rule, 1977.

The notification issued on July 6 clearly states that one per cent reservation will be provided in general as well as reserved categories for the third gender. The notification also added that whenever an order is released to invite applications for government jobs, it should contain ‘other’ option along with male and female columns. It also prohibits any discrimination on the ground of sex in the process of selection and the seats are to be given to any male or female, in case they remain vacant.

Vijay Kumar Patil, the public prosecutor for the state government, said in front of the court that one per cent reservation has been provided to the third gender by amending the existing rule. Jayna Kothari, Senior Advocate who submitted the petition from ‘Jeeva’ NGO, said that the present amendment inoculates the third gender but the court should also direct the government to ensure job opportunities in different boards and corporations.