First Gender Identity Change in Indian Civil Services!

In a historic move, the Ministry of Finance has recognized the gender identity change of M Anusuya, an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, to M Anukathir Surya. This is the first case of a civil servant officially changing their gender in India's civil services history.

Surya, who is currently posted as Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner (Authorised Representative) of the Customs Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Hyderabad, began his career as an Assistant Commissioner in Chennai in December 2013. He was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner in 2018. Surya holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication from the Madras Institute of Technology and a PG Diploma in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics from the National Law Institute University in Bhopal.

The Supreme Court's judgment in the NALSA case on April 15, 2014, recognized the third gender and ruled that gender identity is a personal choice, whether or not a person undergoes Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS). This landmark decision paved the way for individuals to legally change their gender in official records.

Surya's case marks a significant milestone in India's journey towards recognizing and respecting gender diversity. As a civil servant, his transition serves as an inspiration and a step towards greater inclusivity in the workplace. The Ministry of Finance's decision to update Surya's records demonstrates a commitment to upholding the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Constitution of India.