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Bhubaneswar, July 3: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)’s recent announcement that it will give fee exemption to transgender students in all its programmes and courses from this academic session has been welcomed by members of the community in the state. Mithi Kinner from Cuttack said: “I took admission under National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to pursue my Class X education.
The news of IGNOU declaring fee exemption for us is great and will boost interest in pursuing education. I intend to take up further education after completing tenth standard.” Sheetal Kinner, another transgender who has cleared Plus II, has decided to pursue Plus III under IGNOU. “The news came as blessing for many of us who could not complete our education for various reasons. Till my plus II I studied as a male, but I want to complete my higher education as a transgender, I am happy now that my gender is no hurdle before my dreams. I am submitting forms today,” Sheetal said. Chairperson of All Orissa Transgenders’ Welfare Trust, Mira Parida, also expressed pleasure with IGNOU’s initiative. “It is definitely good for young transgenders who want to get educated. Allowing them to pursue their dream as they are is a big thing, as it will help bring changes in the mindset of the society to some extent.”
