RAS question
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill 2026 was passed by both Houses of Parliament this week. Which of the following is a key change introduced by this Amendment compared to the 2019 Act?
Correct answer: (C) Removal of self-identification; adds recognition of socio-cultural identities like hijra and kinner.
The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 removed the 2019 Act's self-identification basis and instead recognised specified socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra and aravani.
Explanation
The 2026 Amendment changed the identity framework in the 2019 Act. The earlier Act had a broad definition that covered a person whose gender did not match the gender assigned at birth and included intersex variations, genderqueer persons and socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta. The Amendment substitutes this with a narrower definition that expressly names socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta, and omits the self-perceived identity provision. It also requires Medical Board certification for a certificate and adds kidnapping-related offences where a person is compelled to assume or present a transgender identity. Lok Sabha passed the Bill on March 24, 2026, and Rajya Sabha on March 25, 2026.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Self-identification was not introduced by the 2026 Amendment; the Amendment removed the self-identification provision from the 2019 framework.
- (B) The Amendment did not remove certification requirements; it requires Medical Board certification for a certificate.
- (D) The Amendment covers the changed definition, certification and new kidnapping offences, not a new reservation entitlement for all transgender persons in government jobs.
Concept
This tests statutory amendment tracking under Indian polity and governance. RAS repeatedly asks such questions because a single phrase in an amendment can reverse the legal position created by an earlier Act.