Odisha Govt Directs Inclusion of ‘Third Gender’ in State Recruitment Forms

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has taken a progressive step toward inclusive governance by making it mandatory for all departments to recognize “Third Gender/Transgender” applicants as a distinct category in state recruitment forms.

The directive, issued by the Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), instructs every government department to revise examination rules and ensure that both online and offline application forms reflect the inclusion of transgender persons alongside male and female candidates.

This initiative brings the state’s recruitment process in line with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, which guarantees protection against discrimination in employment, education, housing, healthcare, and public services.

Recruitment bodies including the OPSC, OSSC, OSSSC, and SSB have been asked to implement the changes immediately and submit compliance reports. Officials emphasized that the move also addresses the Act’s mandate under Sections 9 and 10, which prohibit employment-related discrimination.

The government further reminded departments that while the Act allows for self-perceived gender identity, formal legal recognition requires a certificate from the District Magistrate.

By enforcing this directive, Odisha aims to create an equitable recruitment system and provide transgender persons with greater opportunities in state services—an advancement long advocated by rights groups and social activists.