IRS Officer’s Gender Change Approved
In an unprecedented move, the central government has allowed a Hyderabad-based Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer to change her gender and name. M Anusuya, who serves as a Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner, Customs Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Hyderabad, will now be officially recognized as M Anukathir Surya and identified as male.
This decision marks the first instance of such a change within the Indian civil services, reflecting a progressive shift towards recognizing gender diversity. Anukathir Surya had submitted a petition to the Ministry of Finance requesting the change, which has now been accepted. He will henceforth be recognized as “Mr. M Anukathir Surya” in all official records.
Anukathir Surya started his career as an Assistant Commissioner in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in Chennai and was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2018. In 2023, he joined CESTAT in Hyderabad. He hails from Tamil Nadu, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication from Madras Institute of Technology and a PG Diploma in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics from the National Law Institute University in Bhopal.
Hyderabad has been at the forefront of promoting gender inclusivity. In June 2015, a law student from NALSAR University requested that gender not be identified in their graduate certificate, a request that was granted with the honorific prefix ‘Mx’ instead of ‘Ms’. In March 2022, NALSAR designated a hostel floor as an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students.
In a landmark development, Dr. Ruth Paul John became the first transgender doctor to pursue post-graduation in the country after securing a position in the MD Emergency Medicine program at ESI Hospital, Hyderabad. Supported by Osmania General Hospital and various voluntary organizations, Dr. Ruth raised funds to enroll in the program. Following this, the Telangana Government established the first transgender clinic in Osmania General Hospital last year.
Furthermore, in February this year, the University of Hyderabad announced a transgender policy for the 2024-25 academic year, becoming the second university after Delhi University to implement such a move.
Here are the formal steps for legally changing gender in India:
1. Psychological Evaluation:
- Consultation with a Psychiatrist or Psychologist: The individual needs to consult a certified psychiatrist or psychologist who will evaluate their gender dysphoria and provide a diagnosis.
2. Medical Procedures (Optional but common):
- Hormone Therapy: Many individuals opt for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity.
- Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS): Some individuals may choose to undergo SRS. However, this is not mandatory for legal gender change.
3. Legal Documentation:
- Affidavit: An affidavit needs to be prepared stating the name and gender change, attested by a notary public.
- Gazette Notification: The individual must apply to publish their name and gender change in the official government gazette. This involves:
- Submitting the affidavit.
- Providing supporting documents such as the psychiatrist’s letter, medical reports, and identity proof.
- Payment of the applicable fee.
- The gazette publication acts as a formal record of the change.
4. Updating Identity Documents:
- Aadhaar Card: Visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Centre with the gazette notification and other supporting documents to update gender and name.
- Passport: Submit a request for reissue at a Passport Seva Kendra with the necessary documents, including the affidavit, gazette notification, and medical reports.
- PAN Card: Apply for changes through the NSDL or UTIITSL website, providing the necessary documents.
- Driving License: Visit the regional transport office (RTO) with the required documents.
- Voter ID: Submit an application to the local election office with the gazette notification and supporting documents.
5. Updating Other Documents:
- Bank Accounts: Visit the respective bank branch with the updated Aadhaar card, PAN card, and the gazette notification.
- Educational Certificates: Submit a request to the educational institution with the gazette notification and affidavit.
- Employment Records: Inform the employer and provide necessary documentation for updating employment records.
6. Awareness and Support:
- Legal Assistance: It may be helpful to seek legal assistance to ensure all procedures are correctly followed.
- Support Groups: Engaging with support groups and organizations that advocate for transgender rights can provide guidance and emotional support.
By following these steps, individuals in India can legally change their gender and update their official documents accordingly.