Two members of the National Council for Transgender Persons have resigned, alleging no consultation on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026. They failed to meet the minister, who skipped a scheduled meeting. The bill passed the Lok Sabha on March 24 and the Rajya Sabha on March 25.
Four transgender members, including Kalki Subramaniam, the South India representative, Rituparna Neog from the Northeast, Raveena Bareeha, Vidya Rajput, and Abhina Aher, attended a meeting scheduled for March 21 at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar did not attend, citing illness.
A Senior Economic Adviser listened to their opposition to the bill but was dismissive of most suggestions, according to Subramaniam. The members sought retention of self-identification for gender and opposed reliance on a medical board. "Even without our suggestions, the bill will pass—that was the crux," Subramaniam said.
They later tried to meet the minister at his residence but were turned away. On March 22, Subramaniam sent a document outlining objections via the minister's personal assistant. The National Council for Transgender Persons, formed in August 2020, advises on policies for transgender persons. Subramaniam and Neog resigned on March 25.
Replying to the Lok Sabha debate, Kumar stated, "Provisions have been brought to ensure security... along with giving legal rights, this law also provides respect and dignity."
The ministry did not respond to queries.
