Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has asked the state government to include a “third gender” or “transgender” option in online application forms for examinations conducted by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC). ADVERTISEMENTIn its order, issued after hearing the plea on January 22, the OHRC expressed serious concern over the exclusion contrary to the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act. It also referred to the Supreme Court’s earlier directions to recognise transgender persons as a third gender and ensure equal opportunities for them in public employment. It urged the General Administration and Public Grievance Department to instruct the OPSC to amend the application forms by adding the “third gender/transgender” category. To enforce compliance, the OHRC has sought a detailed report from the state government within 60 days on actions taken.