For the First, Fergusson College included the category of third gender in application forms

For the first, Pune’s Fergusson College on 26 June 2014 has included the category of third gender in its application forms for academic programs. The courses will begin from 2014-15.

Applications for first year BA (FYBA) and BSc (FYBSc) that are available online have the third gender option. The decision of the college authorities was encouraged by Supreme Court's recognition of the third gender in April 2014.

The college also planned to have awareness drives and gender sensitisation programs, so that inclusion will not limit to paper.

About the Supreme Court ruling

A Bench of Justices K.S. Radhakrishnan and A.K. Sikri on 16 April 2014 ruled that the eunuchs, apart from the binary gender, be treated as a third gender for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under our Constitution and the laws made by Parliament and the State Legislature.

The ruling came on a petition filed by the National Legal Services Authority.

The Bench directed the Centre and States to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes and extend reservation for admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.

The Bench said recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue. Transgenders are also citizens of India. The spirit of the Constitution is to provide equal opportunity to every citizen to grow and attain their potential, irrespective of caste, religion or gender.

By virtue of this verdict, all identity documents, including a birth certificate, passport, ration card and driving licence would recognise the third gender.