UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Bill to amend Transgender Persons Act faces criticism

Q1. Under which Union Ministry has the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 been piloted in Parliament?

  • A. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • B. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • C. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
  • D. Ministry of Women and Child Development

Q2. With reference to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 as compared with the parent Act of 2019, consider the following statements: 1. Whereas the 2019 Act allowed a certificate of identity on the basis of self-perceived gender identity, the 2026 Amendment makes its issuance contingent on examining the recommendation of a designated medical board. 2. While the 2019 Act vested the power to issue the certificate of identity in the District Magistrate, the 2026 Amendment transfers this power to the State Secretary, Health. 3. The 2026 Amendment introduces enhanced imprisonment of ten years to life for kidnapping a person to force a transgender identity, a punishment that did not exist under the 2019 Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Whereas the 2019 Act allowed a certificate of identity on the basis of self-perceived gender identity, the 2026 Amendment makes its issuance contingent on examining the recommendation of a designated medical board.
  2. While the 2019 Act vested the power to issue the certificate of identity in the District Magistrate, the 2026 Amendment transfers this power to the State Secretary, Health.
  3. The 2026 Amendment introduces enhanced imprisonment of ten years to life for kidnapping a person to force a transgender identity, a punishment that did not exist under the 2019 Act.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. In the context of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, what is meant by a 'designated medical board'?

  • A. A national-level board constituted by the National Medical Commission to issue certificates of identity for transgender persons across India
  • B. A board headed by the Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer, whose recommendation is examined by the District Magistrate before issuing a certificate of identity
  • C. A statutory body chaired by the District Magistrate that verifies medical reports submitted by transgender applicants
  • D. An expert committee of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare empowered to directly grant the certificate of identity to a transgender person

Q4. Under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026, who heads the 'designated medical board' whose recommendation must be examined for issuing a certificate of identity to a transgender person?

  • A. The District Magistrate of the concerned district
  • B. The State Director of Health Services
  • C. The Chief Medical Officer or the Deputy Chief Medical Officer
  • D. The Civil Surgeon attached to the district hospital