Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: The Higher Education Department has issued a directive urging universities and colleges to take proactive measures to shield gender-nonconforming students from instances of bullying, harassment, and any other forms of violence within their campus environments.
In response to an advisory from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concerning the welfare of transgender individuals, the Higher Education Department has communicated with the registrars of all universities and the principals of degree colleges, instructing them to adopt appropriate measures in this regard.
The department stated, "Educational institutions are requested to safeguard gender-nonconforming students from incidents of bullying, harassment, or any other forms of violence within their respective jurisdictions."
To address issues related to biases, discrimination, sexual abuse, and other forms of violence against transgender individuals, educational institutions have been urged to establish monitoring committee cells. Furthermore, to ensure the provision of gender-neutral facilities in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), all educational institutes should initiate efforts to construct unisex toilets and restrooms.
