This is an archive article published on July 10, 2024
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Anusuya to Anukathir Surya: Centre permits IRS officer to change gender, name
Order signed by the Under Secretary in Ministry of Finance makes if official
M Anusuya, currently posted as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal at Hyderabad, had requested for a change of name to M Anukathir Surya, and gender from female to male.
A Hyderabad-based Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer’s request to change her name and gender has been approved by the central government.
M Anusuya, currently posted as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal at Hyderabad, had requested for a change of name to M Anukathir Surya, and gender from female to male.
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An office order signed by the Under Secretary, Department of Revenue (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs), Ministry of Finance stated that Anusuya’s request has been accepted and the officer will “henceforth be recognised as Mr M Anukathir Surya in all official records”.
Hyderabad has set several precedents in this field. In June 2015, a BA LLB law student of NALSAR (National Academy of Legal Studies and Research) University had requested the varsity that gender should not be identified in the graduate certificate. The university agreed to the student’s request for an honorific prefix of ‘Mx’ instead of ‘Ms’. The student said it was a small first step towards recognising gender fluidity in the country.
Almost seven years later, in March 2022, the university designated a hostel floor as an inclusive space for accommodating LGBTQ+ students.
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Last year, after securing a position in the MD Emergency Medicine programme at ESI Hospital, Hyderabad, Dr Ruth Paul John became the first transgender doctor to pursue post-graduation in the country. Supported by Osmania General Hospital and voluntary organisations, Dr Ruth raised funds to enrol in the programme.
Last July, the Telangana Government established the first transgender clinic in Osmania General Hospital, and doctors posted there underwent sensitisation training.
And in February this year, the University of Hyderabad announced a transgender policy for the start of the 2024-25 academic year, the second university after Delhi University to implement such a move.
M Anusuya, currently posted as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal at Hyderabad, had requested for a change of name to M Anukathir Surya, and gender from female to male.
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