Bhubaneswar, Feb 20: In a landmark move, the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has included a third gender/transgender option in the online application form for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Examination-2025. This decision comes after a notification issued by the OPSC today.

According to the notification, third gender or transgender candidates are required to upload their identity certificate/card issued by the competent authority, along with any documents supporting the change of their name after obtaining transgender status.

The OPSC has directed the state government to submit a compliance report within 60 days. It has also instructed the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department to ensure that all government departments and corporations include a third gender option in their online recruitment applications.

This decision follows a recommendation from the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), which had previously urged the state government to make provisions for the third gender category in OPSC recruitment examinations. The recommendation came after a petition was filed by a third gender candidate, Sony Sil, who alleged discrimination due to the absence of a third gender option in the online application forms for the upcoming examinations.

The OHRC's order emphasized that the General Administration and Public Grievance department should ensure that the OPSC includes the third gender or transgender option in all recruitment processes.