Equitable and Inclusive Education as Envisioned in NEP 2020: Experience of Transgenders in Bihar

Abstract

Inclusive development has been the focus of the Indian Government. ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas’ has become the buzzword. Efforts are being made to mainstream the marginalised sections of the society. In this direction, the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been a revolutionary step. This document speaks of equitable and inclusive education as a significant tool in achieving the Constitutional Values of social justice and equality. For the first time, ‘transgenders’ are identified as one of the several ‘Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups’ (SEDGs) who are always subjected to stigmatisation and discrimination based on their gender identity. In this paper, the authors have tried to investigate the educational experience of transgenders in Bihar. Using the Snowball Sampling technique, 141 transgenders from 5 districts of Bihar were approached for study. In-depth interviews were conducted and it was found that out of 141 respondents, 112 have studied up to elementary or secondary level. The study revealed several challenges faced by them in getting education because of which they are compelled to discontinue their studies and ultimately, they are forced to do some undignified work, such as asking for badhais, singing-dancing, or as sex workers.