Critically examine the implications of legislative measures on marginalised communities in India.

The introduction of various bills addressing social issues in India has sparked debate regarding their implications for marginalised communities. The Transgender Bill, Surrogacy Bill, Trafficking Bill, Citizenship Bill, and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) each present unique challenges.

1. Transgender Bill: Although it aimed to empower transgender individuals by granting the right to self-determination, it paradoxically placed authority in the hands of government-appointed committees. This shift from self-identification to state control undermines the autonomy of transgender persons, perpetuating existing societal discrimination.
2. Surrogacy Bill: The bill’s exclusion of LGBT individuals and its discriminatory age restrictions raise questions about inclusivity. By outlawing commercial surrogacy, it risks creating a black market, which could exploit vulnerable women further and deny prospective parents their rights.
3. Trafficking Bill: The criminalisation of begging without providing alternatives reflects a lack of understanding of the socio-economic realities faced by vulnerable populations. Additionally, conflating consensual sex work with trafficking fails to address the nuanced dynamics of consent and exploitation.
4. Citizenship Bill: The bill’s selective criteria for citizenship based on religion raises serious concerns about discrimination and exclusion, particularly against Muslims, encouraging communal tensions.
5. National Register of Citizens: The presumption of illegitimacy for residents creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The confusion surrounding identity verification further complicates the issue, potentially rendering many stateless.

The widespread protests against these bills highlight the urgent need for inclusive dialogue. Engaging directly with affected communities is essential to ensure that legislative measures do not perpetuate discrimination but rather promote equity and justice. Real-life examples, such as the protests led by transgender activists and the backlash against the Citizenship Bill, tell the importance of listening to the voices of those impacted by such policies.