Eunuchs can indicate sex as 'Other' in electoral rolls: EC

Eunuchs and transsexuals would now be put in the column of 'Other' in the electoral rolls if they do not want to be described as male or female, the Election Commission said.

A decision to this effect has been taken by the EC following representations from various individuals and interest groups to include the eunuchs in the electoral rolls with an independent identity.



"The Commission has duly considered the request and has decided to allow eunuchs/transsexuals to indicate their sex as 'Other' where they do not want to be described as male or female," the EC said in a press note on Thursday.



Besides the electoral roll, the decision would apply to all other Forms used by the EC wherein the provisions of indication of sex of the user was made, including IT based formats and website, it said.

Necessary instructions have been issued to all Electoral Registration Officers through the Chief Electoral Officers of all States and Union Territories to give effect to the EC's decision.

Enumerators and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) shall be instructed to indicate the sex of eunuchs/ transsexuals as 'O' if they so desire, while undertaking any house-to-house enumeration or verification of any application, the EC said.