When Manabi Bandopadhyay takes charge of Krishnagar Women’s College in West Bengal on June 9, not just India, but probably the world will get its first transgender principal. Presently, Manabi is associate professor in Bengali at Vivekananda Satobarshiki Mahavidyalaya. The move has received a warm welcome from all education fraternity.
State education minister Partha Chatterjee had recently said that the decision was taken by the College Service Commission and he would not interfere in their decisions. He appreciated them for having an open mind and expressed happiness over the decision.
Rattan Lal Hangloo, vice-chancellor of the Kalyani University to which Krishnagar Women’s College is affiliated appreciated Manabi for being a fine human being, a good academician and an able administrator. He was hopeful that her appointment will empower other members of the transgender community.
Meanwhile, leading the way in bringing transgenders into the mainstream, a Bengaluru-based organisation has launched a national portal to provide employment opportunities to sexual minorities.
It may be mentioned that last year, Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung had approved the admission of transgender children under the category of “disadvantaged group” defined by the Right to Education Act, and made their education free in Delhi Schools. It means these kids will be eligible for 25 per cent reservation under the economically weaker section (EWS) and disadvantaged students category for admission.
