Centre asks Swachh Bharat Mission to allow transgender to use toilet of their choice

The government of India’s Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation on April 3 issued a guideline for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on April 4 directed the Tamil Nadu government to build public toilets cum bathrooms for transgenders.

The government of India’s Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation on April 3 issued a guideline for Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) on gender issues in sanitation. This guideline states that this program in its third year should make conscious efforts to recognise transgender people as equal citizens and also users of toilets.

As per this guideline, transgender people should be permitted to use community or public toilets as per their choice. The statement further reads that across the world there are many transgender people who have been recognised as ‘Swachhta champions’ and that they have played a major role in creating awareness about cleanliness.   

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court on April 4 directed the Tamil Nadu government to build public toilets cum bathrooms for transgenders, where they live in large numbers in the city. This order was passed on a PIL filed in which The petitioner sought a direction to the state government to build public toilets and bathrooms for transgenders residing in large numbers, particularly in Tondiarpet, Choolaimedu, Pulianthope, Saidapet in Chennai.

(With inputs from PTI)