The NHRC announced the development on Thursday, saying the new facility would provide transgender inmates with separate accommodation where they can live according to their gender identity and wear clothes of their choice.
Previously, the prison had only separate wards for men and women, creating difficulties in deciding where transgender prisoners should be accommodated. The new gender-neutral cell aims to provide them with a separate space and recognition of their identity.
The initiative follows a visit to the jail on October 8 by an NHRC special monitor responsible for matters concerning the rights of transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community.
The commission’s intervention led to the establishment of the dedicated facility. The arrangement is intended to address concerns surrounding the accommodation and dignity of transgender inmates within the prison system.
The development marks a reported step towards more inclusive arrangements for transgender prisoners in India. The NHRC made the announcement on Thursday, highlighting the creation of the separate cell at Hyderabad Central Jail.
