OBC Status Sought for Third Gender

BHUBANESWAR: A petition has been filed before the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) seeking inclusion of third gender under OBC category and entitle them to benefits under Government welfare schemes.

The petition, filed by rights activists Biswapriya Kanungo and Bijay Kumar Panda, demands that as per the directive of the Supreme Court, a committee comprising members of third gender and experts be constituted to examine the socio-economic and cultural problems they are facing.

The committee would recommend long and short-term welfare measures in a specified time-frame so that the State Government can facilitate its implementation.

Hearing the petition, acting chairman, OHRC, Justice BK Mishra has asked the Chief Secretary to submit a report within six weeks.