Empowering two vital communities
Assam Grants OBC Status to Transgender Community and Reservation to Anganwadi Workers: In a bold step towards social justice and equity, the Assam government has granted OBC status to the transgender community and announced a 50% reservation for Anganwadi workers in supervisory roles. These announcements were made by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 23, 2025, during a major public event in Guwahati. This move not only ensures dignity and opportunity for transgender individuals but also uplifts grassroots women workers who form the backbone of rural health and nutrition.
OBC recognition for transgender individuals
The declaration of OBC (Other Backward Class) classification for transgender people is a landmark decision. It allows them to access reservation benefits in education and government jobs. This also brings them under various central and state welfare schemes available to other OBC categories. Assam becomes one of the few Indian states to formally recognize transgender rights at the policy level, reflecting the spirit of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Historically, the transgender community has faced exclusion from mainstream opportunities, despite Supreme Court recognition in the 2014 NALSA judgment. The present move directly addresses this marginalization by offering them a clear path into educational and employment structures.
Career upliftment for Anganwadi workers
Equally noteworthy is the 50% reservation for Anganwadi workers in supervisor-level posts under the Women and Child Development Department. These workers have long served in rural areas under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, focusing on child nutrition, health awareness, and community education. However, they have rarely seen opportunities for career progression.
By allowing experienced Anganwadi workers to move into decision-making roles, the Assam government recognizes their contributions to grassroots governance. This measure also helps retain institutional knowledge and encourages women to aspire for leadership roles within local government systems.
Implementation from upcoming recruitment cycle
These changes will be enforced from the next round of recruitments. The announcement was followed by the distribution of appointment letters to new supervisory staff, marking the start of the policy rollout. It signals a clear shift in Assam’s governance towards inclusion and merit-based internal growth.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Assam Grants OBC Status to Transgender Community and Reservation to Anganwadi Workers:
| Topic | Details |
| State | Assam |
| Announced by | CM Himanta Biswa Sarma |
| Date of Announcement | June 23, 2025 |
| Transgender Status | Classified under OBC |
| Benefits for Transgender | Access to education, jobs, welfare schemes |
| Reservation for Anganwadi | 50% in supervisor posts |
| Department Involved | Women and Child Development |
| Scheme Linked | Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) |
| Recruitment Update | From next recruitment cycle |
| National Act Related | Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 |
