| Name of the Policy/Guidelines | Non-Discrimination Against Transgender Persons |
| Short Description | This Policy aims to create inclusive education opportunities and environment for transgender individuals, where their rights are identified and respected and their needs are met. |
| Scope | This Policy applies to all applicants, students, program participants, faculty and staff at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham. |
| Policy Status | Revised |
| Date of Approval of Original Policy | 2011 |
| Revision no. | 6 |
| Brief description of the last revision | The 2025 revision strengthens provisions relating to non-discrimination, dignity, privacy, inclusion and access for transgender persons; addresses emerging risks associated with digital technologies and artificial intelligence; and strengthens awareness, support, reporting and monitoring mechanisms. |
| Date of approval of the current revision | 8 October 2025 |
| Effective Date | 8 October 2025 |
| Approval Authority | School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leadership Council, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham |
| Contact | Center for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality / UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality Email: dean_sbs@am.amrita.edu Phone: +91 94460 40075 |
Introduction
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham firmly believes in the rights of all human beings regardless of their gender. In addition to our general policies and procedures on non-discrimination based on gender, these guidelines aim to address specific challenges faced by transgender persons, prevent and eliminate systemic inequality, and promote equal participation, dignity, privacy, safety and access to education and employment. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham also aims to provide a culture of equity, so that each person can grow in a conducive environment irrespective of how they identify themselves.
In this Policy, “transgender person” has the meaning given in Section 2(k) of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and includes trans men and trans women (whether or not they have undergone any medical intervention), persons with intersex variations, genderqueer persons, and persons with socio-cultural identities such as kinner, hijra, aravani and jogta.
Principles
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham aims to create inclusive education and work opportunities and an environment for transgender persons in which their rights, dignity, privacy and safety are recognized and respected. We seek to provide a system in which transgender students and staff can learn, work and participate alongside others without fear of discrimination, neglect, harassment or intimidation, with reasonable support to address relevant needs and barriers to participation.
As stated in our general policies and procedures on non-discrimination based on gender, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has a zero-tolerance policy on gender harassment, which includes any conduct creating an unpleasant or offensive, hostile, or intimidating environment for transgender persons. Complaints will be addressed promptly, fairly and confidentially to the extent appropriate, in accordance with applicable University procedures and legal requirements.
No applicant, student, faculty or staff member will be treated any less favorably than any other on the grounds of their gender identity. This principle applies, as relevant, to admissions; learning, teaching and assessment; research grants and scholarships; recruitment, employment and promotion; leadership opportunities; internships and placements; accommodation and access to facilities and services; safety and health; disciplinary processes; and access to digital platforms and University technologies.
All members of the University community are expected to treat students, staff, visitors and colleagues with dignity and respect and to refrain from discriminatory, harassing, humiliating or intimidating conduct.
Technology-Facilitated and AI-Enabled Discrimination
Discrimination, harassment or harm against transgender persons may also occur through digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This may include discriminatory or stereotypical AI-generated content; misgendering or exclusion caused by automated systems; algorithmic bias; creation or dissemination of non-consensual synthetic or manipulated images, audio or video; online harassment, impersonation, intimidation or unauthorized disclosure of personal information; and inappropriate disclosure or processing of information relating to a person’s gender identity. Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is committed to preventing and addressing such harms and to promoting the responsible, fair and privacy-conscious use of AI and other emerging technologies.
Responsible Use of AI and Automated Systems
Where AI or automated systems are used in admissions, recruitment, assessment, student services, accommodation, research, security or other institutional processes, the University seeks to ensure that such systems do not discriminate against or disadvantage transgender persons. Appropriate attention will be given to fairness, privacy, data protection, human oversight and the identification of potential bias. Personal data is processed in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Supporting staff and students
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham recognizes that transgender persons may encounter specific social, academic or workplace barriers. Any student, staff member or employee who experiences discrimination, harassment or exclusion, or who seeks guidance or support, is encouraged to approach the appropriate University support mechanisms. Support should be respectful, responsive and confidential to the extent appropriate.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has set up several committees to facilitate the reporting of any incident of harassment, discrimination, or any related matter. The contact of the complaint committees can be found here: https://www.amrita.edu/grievance
Transgender persons facing any kind of discrimination can also reach out to the Equal Opportunity Cell in charge of promoting equity, diversity, and social inclusion; preventing and addressing discrimination or bias; supporting grievance redressal for disadvantaged groups, including women; raising awareness on social exclusion; and sharing information and resource mobilisation for inclusivity: eoc@amrita.edu.
The committees will undertake inquiries with regard to complaints, ensuring that complaints are kept confidential to the extent necessary and that adequate protection is provided to the person reporting discrimination.
These reporting and grievance mechanisms also apply to discrimination, harassment or other harms based on gender identity occurring through digital platforms, AI systems or other emerging technologies, including where such conduct takes place through an external digital platform but affects a member of the University community.
Privacy and Confidentiality
Information relating to a person’s gender identity or transgender status should be handled with sensitivity and confidentiality and should not be disclosed unnecessarily or without appropriate authorization, subject to applicable legal and institutional requirements. The University seeks to minimize unnecessary collection or exposure of such information in administrative and digital systems.
Gender Sensitization Programs
To promote a supportive environment, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham offers specialized training programs for staff and faculty to enhance understanding of gender diversity across campus. This training covers gender identity and stereotypes, safe spaces, gender spectrum, gender-sensitive language and self-confidence. Furthermore, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham hosts community-building events such as transgender awareness panel discussions or workshops to promote understanding and inclusivity among campus members. These initiatives aim to create a more cohesive, educated, and welcoming campus community.
Community Engagement and Support
Whenever needed or requested, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham will explore opportunities to connect transgender students with mentors in their chosen fields, helping them to build professional networks and access career development resources. This initiative aims to create a pipeline of support and opportunities for transgender students as they transition into the workforce.
Academic and Professional Networking Opportunities
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham seeks to facilitate opportunities for transgender students and staff to participate in conferences, invited lectures, mentoring, professional networks, expert interactions and national and international collaborations, helping to expand academic, professional and career opportunities.
Transgender Clinic at AIMS Health Sciences Campus
In January 2017, a Transgender Clinic was established within the Department of Psychiatry of AIMS Health Sciences Campus, where individuals who feel they need a place where they will not be judged will be able to openly share their issues and questions.
The Transgender Clinic offers a variety of approaches to support and help individuals in the best way possible, including by providing psychological support, pharmacological interventions, and help with sex reassignment procedures.
The Clinic is open to all, including the students of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.
Contact: https://www.amritahospitals.org/kochi
Resources
According to the Transgender Persons Act (2019), a transgender person has a right to be recognized as such. This Act sets up a procedure by which a person who identifies as a transgender person can apply for a certificate of identity by writing an application to the District Magistrate.
Consult the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act of 2019: http://socialjustice.nic.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/TG%20bill%20gazette.pdf
Regular Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham periodically reviews this Policy to assess its effectiveness and make necessary updates to address evolving challenges and opportunities.
