University's transgender quota remains untouched, leaving 52 seats vacant
University's transgender quota remains untouched, leaving 52 seats vacantBangalore University's bid to include transgenders into their post graduation course has drawn a blank. Not a single transgender student has registered, leaving all 52-quota seats vacant when admissions closed on Monday.
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| You're welcome! The university has made it clear to transgenders that they will provide them with protection and that anti-ragging laws are in place. Pic for representation |
N Prahbhudev, Vice Chancellor, Bangalore University, said, "Since our announcement, there has not been a single registration. One reason could be that they are not educated enough for a PG course. Or they simply may not be aware of it, even though we've tried to publicise it." He added, "We've made it clear to them that there would be protection and anti-ragging laws are in place."
The subjects included microbiology, English literature and management studies among others.
Prahbhudev added, "We'll offer this quota next year as well, but there won't an increase in the seats next year until these are filled."
Amrita Chanda, a member of WHAQ (We're Here and Queer), said, "Transgenders face a conflict within themselves. This struggle starts during high school -- that's when they drop out, so, offering a PG course isn't the best way to help." She added, "Our organisation is pushing for this same quota to be offered in the high school and pre-university levels."
Vinay Chandran, a counsellor with Sahaya -- an NGO for transgenders -- said, "You can't just open the doors and expect people to come just like that. It's going to take time and I hope the university doesn't give up on this." He added, "Teachers and students will have to be desensitised, since they're going to have a lot of problems with transgenders in their class rooms. There's still a lot of phobia surrounding them."
Siddarth S, a member of Good As You, said, "I think that the reservation is a good idea but it's important to question why there still is such a gap in the system." He added, "There could be many reasons why the seats are still vacant, one could be social non performance another could be social taboo. I think the quota should still be maintained even if there is a lack of awareness."
Chandni, a 36-year-oldu00a0 transgender who works for an NGO called Samara said, "We're not educated enough to attend such a high course. I only finished my pre-university course at Chamarajanagara district. While I welcome BU's quota, I'm sure many within the community are afraid of harassment."
She added, "I was harassed in college.u00a0 Most students would keep away from me. Even the hostel warden tried to sexually abuse me once."
