Towards inclusivity: University of Lucknow to prioritise transgender admissions, foster acceptance

In a major decision to create a more inclusive space, the University of Lucknow (LU) will now be giving direct admissions to transgender applicants. This comes after the university attempted at admitting trans candidates in the past multiple times but in vain.

In a recent meeting with trans representatives, Devika Manglamukhi (state executive member of UP Transgender Welfare Board), Nilopher (Project Director of 'Humsafar' NGO) and Shiven Gureja, LU discussed initiatives for nurturing a more welcoming environment for transgender students.

"Let's empower and elevate their status from Bhiksha to Shiksha," LU took to Twitter to announce their goal.

On increasing account of corporate companies boosting their diversity quota and employing more transgender candidates, there is a need to improve the individuals' qualification and capability.

The plan of action will be to introduce more programmes that will spread awareness and bring about acceptance of transgender issues.

At LU, the trans students will be given equal opportunities as rendered to any other individual, the Dean of Student Welfare, Professor Poonam Tandon, said.

Additionally, LU will provide direct admissions or exemption to transgenders and numerous departments will organise sensitisation programmes for them. For the same, a transgender cell will also be established where financial grants will be provided for organising these programmes.