Karnataka has become the first state to provide 1% reservation to the transgendercommunity in all government services. The High court was submitteda report by the authorities in which it was informed that a notification wasissued after the amendment of the Karnataka Civil Service(General Recruitment)Rule, 1997.
The final notification, which was issued on July 6,states that in all general as well as in reserved categories for the thirdgender 1 percent reservation will be provided to the transgender categories. According to the notification, in all theapplications, another column will be added named ‘others’ along with male andfemale gender columns.
In addition to this, the state has also added that nodiscrimination should be done against the process of selection. Thenotification also says that in case of non-availability of transgendercandidates, the job can be given to the male or female category for the same.
An NGO, named ‘Sangama’ had filed a petition in the high court questioning the denial of job opportunitiesin the State Special Reserve Constable Force and Bandsman postings. The casewas heard by the chief justice A.S Oka on Tuesday.
Vijay Kumar Patil informed the Bench that theauthorities have provided the one percent horizontal reservation in the governmentrecruitments by bringing changes to the current rule. A senior advocate, JaynaKothari had also submitted a petition from ‘Jeeva’ NGO and argued that that thecurrent change accommodates the third gender in the government services.
However,directions should be given to ensure job opportunities, in a lot ofcorporations and boards, she told. Tothis, the High Court Division Bench informed her that, if a separate petition isfiled in this regard, it would be marked as giving direction to the government.
The bench has asked the Union authorities to specify their stand on thismatter. The High Court welcomed and praised the step taken by the government.