The Madras High Court recently directed the Union ministry of Women and Child development to implement the draft module prepared by the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) on “integrating the concerns of transgender persons in schooling processes.”

In an order passed on September 18, Justice N Anand Venkatesh said that NCERT’s draft module had been sent to the Ministry two years ago for consideration but the Ministry was yet to respond to the same.

“A lot of effort has been taken to prepare the draft module which provides for integrating the concerns of transgender persons in schooling processes. The matter has been pending before the 24th respondent for quite a long time (the Ministry). That part, it was planned to make this module operational during this academic year. However, the academic year has already commenced and the Ministry is yet to react to the draft module submitted by NCERT. This Court expects the 24 th respondent viz., the Ministry of Women and Child Development, to show more sensitivity to this issue and act upon the draft module submitted by NCERT,” the High Court said.

It added that the Ministry must “necessarily give some priority” to the issue and act upon the draft module by implementing it in schools by January 6, 2025.

The Court will hear the matter next on that date, the single-judge said.

Justice Venkatesh issued the directions in a case that began with a plea by a lesbian couple seeking protection from their relatives. Over the course of hearing, the Court had issued several directions in an effort to further the welfare of LGBTQIA+ persons.

[Read Order]