08-05-2025
Despite govt order, very few public offices in Pune have loos dedicated to transgender community
Despite a 2020 directive mandating the establishment of separate toilets for transgender individuals in government buildings, implementation in Pune has been inconsistent, drawing criticism from the transgender community. While some public offices have followed directives, many government buildings in the city still lack such provisions, highlighting a gap between policy and practice.
The lone spaces that have dedicated transgender toilet facilities are Pune district social welfare department, public toilet at Swargate bus stop, and Pune district court. However, the Pune Collector's office, both the old and new central buildings, and other prominent government offices still do not have dedicated transgender washrooms.
'With no dedicated facility, we are left with no choices. We cannot go in male toilets being a transwomen and when we enter female toilets, the women feel disturbed and uncomfortable. Despite several government directions and Supreme Court rulings, little work is seen on the ground. In case of transmen, but as they enter male toilets they are prone to sexual assault and harassment,' said Sonali Dalwi, a member of trangender community.
People from the community said that in cases where there are dedicated toilet facilities, they remain inaccessible. 'The ones which are built in public places are mostly locked, such as at the Swargate bus stop. What is the use of building them if they are inaccessible? All we demand is a small facility alongside the existing washrooms. We continue with the same ordeal in the hope that someday we will be taken seriously and witness an inclusive change, considering the dignity of transgender people as well,' added Dalwi.
As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, the government shall take welfare measures to protect the rights and interests of transgender persons and facilitate their access to welfare schemes framed by that government. The sub-scheme 'Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons' under the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme also has a provision for creating trans-safe toilets.
'Politicians and administrative officers just listen to our appeals, accept our demand letters, and that's it. No action has been taken so far, even after so many years of repetitive asking,' said Chandni Gore, a member of transgender community.
People often assume that trans women can use the women's restroom and trans men can use the men's, but the reality is more complex.
'There are individuals who, for various reasons—whether they haven't fully transitioned or choose not to—don't fully align with the traditional appearance of the gender they identify with. In those cases, using public restrooms can become incredibly challenging and uncomfortable. That's why inclusive washroom facilities in public spaces are very important. I'm glad conversations around the need for transgender washrooms are happening and progress is being made, but the pace needs to pick up,' said Nikita Narayan Mukhyadal, a Pune-based activist for transgender community.
Pune Collector Jitendra Dudi has promised to address the issue of the requirement for more inclusive infrastructure. 'I acknowledge the lack of transgender toilets and will put out directions for all government offices in Pune to follow the regulations and government's directives regarding a dedicated washroom facility, and will follow up that transgender toilets are built,' Dudi told The Indian Express.
The Social Welfare Office, Pune, has constructed a transgender toilet in 2021 following government directives. 'Most transgender individuals come to our office for government-related work. So the facility was set up right outside to make it more accessible. It's been very helpful, and many people have told us the same, and everything we provide falls under their identity scheme. The transgender washroom is treated like any other, cleaned three times a day like all others, and is regularly checked and maintained. The toilet is designed to be gender-inclusive, with provisions for trans male and trans female users,' said Santosh Hogade, office superintendent at the Social Welfare Office.
The Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 has provisions to construct separate toilets for transgender individuals. The responsibility for implementation, including construction and maintenance of washrooms, rests with the state governments, administrations, or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
