Indore: 'Third gender' option missing in DAVV applications

Even after the Supreme Court (SC) recognised transgenders as a 'third gender' in its landmark verdict nearly a year ago, universities in Madhya Pradesh are yet to implement the apex court's ruling in letter and spirit.

Devi Ahilya Vishwavidhyalaya (DAVV), Indore, on April 16 began accepting applications for its Common Entrance Test (CET) to be conducted on June 4 for admissions to 30 professional courses in the university.

However, DAVV has not provided the option of a third gender (TG) in the online and offline application forms.

On April 15 last year, the Supreme Court had granted the TG status to transgenders in India, so that they could enjoy the benefits of union and state welfare schemes.

The apex court had directed the Centre and state governments to treat them as "socially and educationally backward classes" and provide them reservation in education and employment.

Following the SC ruling, the University Grants Commission (UGC) on February 12 this year asked all the universities to create a transgender -friendly atmosphere at educational institutions in the country.

DAVV vice-chancellor Prof Dhirendra Pal Singh said the university would take cognizance of the issue immediately.

Prof Singh, who admitted that they had received the UGC's letter, said the university would take up the issue on a priority basis.

"If the university has to adhere to the decision, it will make changes in the admission form (both online and offline) accordingly. If the department of higher education is supposed to take the decision, will write to them and ask them to make the required changes," Prof Singh said.

DAVV has 270 affiliated colleges in addition to university teaching departments (UTD) and centres.

Every year, it educates around 1.8 lakh students.

Admissions to professional courses are conducted through CET.

A merit-cum-entrance test is conducted for admissions to other departments (non-CET).

At UTD, teaching is imparted to 10,500 students in regular courses and nearly a 1,000 students through distance education programmes.

DAVV at a glance

Number of affiliated colleges: 270

Number of students educated every year: 1.8 lakh