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UPSC MainsGENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I20125 Marks50 Words
Q20.

To implement one key recommendation of the Mohini Giri Committee, the Government has recently announced the constitution of a National Council. Highlight the composition and the mandate of this National Council.

How to Approach

The question requires a concise answer focusing on the recently constituted National Council based on the Mohini Giri Committee’s recommendations. The answer should directly address the composition and mandate of the council. A structured approach involving identifying the committee’s core recommendation, the subsequent government action, and detailing the council’s structure and functions is ideal. Focus on clarity and precision given the word limit.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Mohini Giri Committee (2018), constituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, examined the issue of gender-based violence and recommended strengthening institutional mechanisms for women’s safety and empowerment. Responding to a key recommendation of this committee, the Government of India recently announced the constitution of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP). This council aims to address the challenges faced by the transgender community and ensure their effective inclusion in society.

Composition of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP)

The NCTP is a statutory body constituted under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Its composition includes:

  • Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment: Chairperson
  • Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment: Vice-Chairperson
  • Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment: Member-Secretary
  • Representatives from various Ministries/Departments: Including Health, Education, Home Affairs, and Law & Justice.
  • Prominent Transgender Persons: At least five transgender persons representing diverse regions and backgrounds.
  • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Representatives from NGOs working in the field of transgender rights.

Mandate of the National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP)

The NCTP’s mandate is comprehensive and aims to facilitate the effective implementation of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Key functions include:

  • Advising the Central Government: On policy matters related to transgender persons.
  • Monitoring the implementation: Of the Act and related policies.
  • Promoting awareness: Regarding transgender rights and issues.
  • Facilitating grievance redressal: Addressing complaints and concerns raised by transgender persons.
  • Coordinating with State Governments: To ensure uniform implementation of the Act across the country.
  • Undertaking research and studies: To identify emerging challenges and develop evidence-based solutions.

The NCTP is empowered to regulate its own procedure and to call for information from any government department or organization. It is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the social, economic, and legal inclusion of transgender persons in India.

Conclusion

The constitution of the NCTP marks a significant step towards realizing the rights and welfare of the transgender community in India. Effective functioning of the council, with active participation from transgender persons and relevant stakeholders, is crucial for translating the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 into tangible benefits and fostering a more inclusive society. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of the NCTP’s performance will be essential to ensure its long-term success.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Transgender
According to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, a transgender person is someone whose gender differs from the sex assigned at birth.
Social Justice
Social justice refers to the fair and equitable distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges in a society, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to basic rights and a decent standard of living.

Key Statistics

As per the 2011 Census, the number of transgender persons in India was 4.87 lakhs. However, activists believe this number is significantly underestimated due to social stigma and difficulties in self-identification.

Source: Census of India, 2011

According to a 2018 report by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), transgender persons face high levels of discrimination in employment, education, healthcare, and housing.

Source: NHRC Report, 2018 (Knowledge Cutoff)

Examples

Nalini Nataraj Case

Nalini Nataraj, a transgender woman, fought a legal battle to be recognized as a female in official records, paving the way for greater legal recognition of transgender rights in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What was the significance of the NALSA judgment?

The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) v. Union of India (2014) judgment recognized transgender persons as a third gender, affirming their fundamental rights and directing the government to treat them as socially and legally recognized citizens.

Topics Covered

Social JusticePolityWomen's EmpowermentSocial WelfareGovernment PolicyCommittee Reports
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