TIRUCHY: Setting a new precedent in inclusive education, the Manonmaniam Sudaranar (MS) University has decided to earmark 830 seats in its affiliated colleges for transgenders to uplift their lot through quality higher education for free, said Dr K Baskar, Vice Chancellor of the university, during a programme organised by the South Indian Transgenders Federation here on Tuesday.
Explaining the break-up, Dr Baskar said that 83 colleges were affiliated to the M S University. Each college offered 10 courses. By earmarking one seat in every course, the university would offer quality education to 830 transgenders every year free of cost.
Speaking during the function, Dr Baskar said, “People should be sensitised about the hormonal and psychological changes that transgenders undergo. Awareness is needed to stop gender discrimination,” he added.
Speaking about his vision for the community, he said, “Higher education shall be provided to transgender candidates in MSU and its affiliated colleges for free. The university also has allotted a special endowment fund for transgender education through which the people studying under the scheme shall be provided with a monthly scholarship of Rs 3,000.” The meeting in Tiruchy was organised as part of the State Transgenders Day celebrations on April 15.