The Lok Sabha has passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. The Bill aims to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. Under the Act, a transgender person may apply to the District Magistrate for issuing a certificate of identity as a transgender person. The Bill adds that the District Magistrate will issue the certificate after examining the recommendation of a designated medical board. The board will be headed by a Chief Medical Officer or a Deputy Chief Medical Officer. The District Magistrate may take the assistance of other medical experts. The Bill also provides that transgender persons will be entitled to change the first name in the birth certificate and other official documents based on the certificate of identity.
Replying to the debate on the Bill, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar said, ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve is Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas, and the NDA government has worked for the welfare of all.’ He said the Government’s goal is to build a strong, prosperous and developed India, a modern, compassionate, and inclusive society in which everyone can live with respect and dignity.
The Minister said that seven years ago, a bill for the protection and well-being of transgender persons was introduced in the Lok Sabha, and today an amendment has been brought to provide protection only to those who face severe social exclusion due to their biological condition. Dr Kumar said the Bill provides for the rights of transgender persons and their welfare.
Participating in the discussion, S Jothimani of Congress opposes the bill, saying that the bill has been brought without consulting the transgender individuals. She termed this Bill a regressive step. Anand Bhadauria of the Samajwadi Party also opposed the bill and demanded that it be sent to the Select Committee. Dr T Sumathy of DMK also opposed the bill, saying how the state can decide transgender identity. She demanded self-identification from transgender people without medical certification. June Maliah of TMC said India is home to one of the largest populations of transgender people in the world, and this bill does not protect and empower them. Supriya Sule of NCP (SP) said this bill has been brought in haste as the country is facing the problem of a reported LPG shortage in the country. She termed this an anti-transgender bill and demanded that it be sent to the Select Committee. Dr Byreddy Shabari of the TDP said this bill is historic, as it gives identity and justice to the transgender community. Pratap Chandra Sarangi of the BJP termed the legislation revolutionary, saying it intends to give protection and a dignified life to transgender people. He said the Bill also has provisions for strict punishment for those who violate the law.
