You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following:

Topic: Case Study

7. You are the District Magistrate in a district where a significant number of transgenders reside. While discrimination against the community is well known, commuters increasingly complain of harassment at their hands, especially at traffic junctions where transgenders are mostly involved in begging. This, at times, also leads to traffic management issues. You have received a number of complaints in this regard and have to act quickly to resolve it. However, a group of transgender associations argue that begging is their only source of livelihood. Given the situation, answer the following:

(a) Describe the ethical issues involved in this case. Discuss the attitude of people towards transgenders in general and reasons for the same.

(b) What possible courses of action can be undertaken in such situations? Discuss their merits and demerits. (250 words)

Reference:  Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

The question is a case study based on the attitude of people towards transgenders.  

Key Demand of the question:

Discuss the nuances in the case study and answer the questions that follow it.

Directive:

Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

The given case involves the issues of vulnerable section of population as well as the comfort of the community. The issue relates to taking into consideration competing interests of discrimination, which transgender faces, be it education, employment, social participation as well as the means they use to earn their living.

Body:

The answer body must have the following aspects covered:

Discuss the ethical issues involved and the reasons for differential attitude of people towards transgenders.

Discuss possible course of action with merits and demerits. You may conclude by suggesting long-term solution/elaborating on your solution.

Conclusion:

Conclude that though it is important to provide relief to general public, the perspective of transgender community must be empathized, else the solution will not be sustainable in the long run and the status quo will rebound. Implementing the Supreme Court directions of giving them special treatment in certain matters will go a long way in integrating them in the society.