Maharashtra State Policy 2024 issued guidelines for the welfare of Transgender students

To promote inclusiveness on college campuses, the state govt for the first time has issued a guideline for transgender students. Strict action will be taken against the colleges for refusing admissions based on gender. A section in the hostels will be reserved for transgender students and establishing cells to address any mental harassment, sexual exploitation or any other violence against them

The General Resolution (GR) issued by the Higher Technological Education Department on Friday, states that the department has asked the colleges and universities to offer free-of-cost education to transgender students and bear the tuition fees. Students have been asked strictly to follow the new fee policy in the guidelines.

The colleges must appoint coordinators for counselling, academic guidance and career advice. All non-agricultural universities, private and deemed universities affiliated colleges in the state are expected to strictly follow the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.

 To ensure equal opportunities for these students and to integrate them fully into social life, institutions should organise awareness activities for both students and the teaching/ non-teaching staff. The guidelines make it mandatory for institution to include transgender students in academic, cultural and sports activities.