Census Progress Reveals Paradox for Transgender Community in Odisha
As India's national Census enumeration accelerates across the country, members of the transgender community in Odisha find themselves caught in a significant paradox. The ongoing Census operation represents a progressive step forward by allowing individuals to self-identify as 'transgender' without requiring any documentary proof, thereby enabling more inclusive and accurate data collection about this marginalized population.
Self-Declaration Versus Official Recognition
However, this administrative advancement contrasts sharply with the reality on the ground, where a substantial portion of the transgender community still lacks the official transgender identity cards issued under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. Community activists have pointed out that while the Census relies on self-declaration, the absence of formal identification continues to create barriers in daily life.
"Even if many members of our community are willing to declare their gender identity to enumerators now, the absence of formal ID cards continues to restrict access to welfare schemes, especially medical services like gender-affirming surgeries. We may be counted this time, but without ID cards, our lives won't change much," explained Sony Sil, a prominent transgender activist based in Bhubaneswar.
Historical Undercount and Current Discrepancies
The 2011 Census had recorded 20,332 persons in Odisha under the 'Others' category, which included transgender individuals. This figure is widely regarded by experts and community members as a substantial undercount that failed to capture the true demographic reality. The current numbers regarding official identification reveal an even starker mismatch.
Under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme provides transgender certificates and ID cards to eligible applicants. Since its launch in 2022, however, only 3,089 transgender certificates and ID cards have been issued nationwide following the submission of applications.
Widespread Application Rejections Across States
According to official ministry data, a total of 5,566 applications for transgender ID cards from across India have been rejected between 2021 and March 2026. The rejection patterns show significant geographical variation:
- West Bengal recorded the highest number of rejections at 608
- Maharashtra followed with 543 rejections
- Karnataka saw 524 applications denied
- Kerala reported 414 rejections
- Odisha experienced 406 application denials
Primary reasons cited for these rejections include insufficient official documentation and discrepancies in personal details provided by applicants.
Legislative Gap and Future Implications
Community representatives have noted that the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026, has yet to be implemented across the country. They emphasize that even when implemented, its provision requiring a medical certificate for identification will not affect the ongoing Census enumeration, which operates on the principle of self-declaration without medical verification.
This creates a complex scenario where individuals may be counted accurately in national statistics but remain unable to access essential services and rights due to the lack of formal recognition through government-issued identification documents.
