New Delhi, 2nd September(HS): The NHRC, India, is organizing a National Conference on the Rights of Transgender Persons titled Revamping Spaces, Reclaiming Voices on 4th September 2025 at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre. The conference, graced by NHRC Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian as Chief Guest, aims to address systemic discrimination and promote meaningful inclusion of transgender persons in all spheres of life. It brings together government officials, legal experts, policymakers, civil society, law enforcement, and community leaders for focused dialogue on challenges and policy priorities to safeguard transgender rights in India.
The conference will evaluate the implementation of key legal provisions including the Transgender Persons Act, 2019 and welfare schemes such as the SMILE scheme, with a spotlight on the Garima Greh initiative providing shelter and rehabilitation. It will discuss institutional care for vulnerable groups such as gender non-conforming children and elderly transgender persons, the creation of inclusive law enforcement frameworks, and pathways to dignified employment through skill development and entrepreneurship. The sessions seek to reduce stigma, enhance access to education, healthcare, and employment, and strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms.
Reflecting on the historical journey of transgender persons in India from invisibility to recognition and legal affirmation by the Supreme Court's 2014 NALSA judgment, the conference builds on progress and addresses persistent challenges like funding delays and operational issues in welfare schemes. NHRC’s recent visits to Garima Greh shelters have informed a comprehensive report recommending policy enhancements. The diverse panel for the conference includes representatives from multiple ministries, UN agencies, academia, NGOs, and law enforcement.
This initiative reinforces NHRC India's commitment to ensuring every transgender person lives with dignity, equality, and pride, framing it as a moral imperative beyond legal obligations. The conference outcomes will guide transformative changes in policies and programs that affirm transgender persons’ rightful place in Indian society .
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
