In a first, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Central government to consider eunuchs for government jobs and pass a notification. The Centre has been directed to chalk out a separate category for eunuchs for consideration.

The high court cited the example of a notification issued by the Punjab government wherein it has prepared a separate category under the head of “transgenders” for considering eunuchs for government jobs.

Haryana and Punjab had decided to create a separate category (other than male and female) in application forms offering public employment by Punjab. However, eventually these people, who are selected for the job, will be considered in the category of men.

Punjab was the first to consider eunuchs for government jobs and it was followed by Haryana.

The development took place during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Kajal Mangal Mukhi, an advocate by profession and local resident. Kajal had sought directions for the states to allow eunuchs to join government services.

Kajal had taken the stand that despite being professionally and academically competent, eunuchs are not allowed to join government service. Reservation in government jobs for eunuchs was also sought.

Kajal had contended that the government has made necessary arrangements for free education for blind and handicapped children but no such arrangement has been made for eunuchs.

Kajal had maintained that eunuchs are always made fun of by society but no steps are being taken for their development.

Despite several opportunities, the Central government had failed to clarify its stand as to whether it would like to consider eunuchs for government jobs. The Central government, right from the start, had been opposing the public interest litigation.

Advocate Onkar Singh Batalvi, counsel for Central government had on the last date of hearing, three months ago produced an affidavit filed by the Department of Personnel and Training.