NEW DELHI: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) turned down the request from a female staff to undergo a gender change procedure, citing the Central Armed Police Forces medical wing’s opinion that this may have a “bad impact on the psychology and behaviour pattern of force personnel.”
Earlier, ITBP sought guidance from the ministry of home affairs after the female staffer requested as there are no guidelines regarding the gender change in ITBP Act, according to PTI citing sources.
The MHA, after reviewing the matter with the department of personnel and training, advised the ITBP to seek an opinion from the medical directorate of the CAPFs and subsequently take a policy decision.
The CAPFs medical establishment advised ITBP that permitting gender change could adversely affect personnel’s psychological well-being and behavioural patterns. They noted that physical requirements differ between male and female recruits, which would be problematic post-transition.
The CAPFs wrote to the ITBP stating the “general opinion is that gender change cannot be entertained/permitted in the force as it will have bad impact on the psychology and behaviour pattern of force personnel”, they said.
“Further, the required physical parameters are different for males and females for enrollment in the force. Therefore, these parameters will not be met after sex change,” the medical wing opined.
Based on these findings, the ITBP has informed all field units to handle future gender change requests accordingly.
Security officials acknowledge that these matters require additional consideration, noting that CAPFs like ITBP are currently not equipped to address such situations.
The existing recruitment criteria specify distinct physical and mental requirements for male and female personnel, designed to meet current operational requirements and challenges.
A senior CAPF official noted that permitting post-recruitment physical changes would necessitate comprehensive policy development and thorough discussion.
Previously, the CISF had granted approval for a female personnel to be recognised as a male jawan following gender reassignment surgery.
