Guwahati, June 22 -- The Assam government has officially granted Socially and Educationally Backward Class (SEBC) status to individuals identifying as transgender or third gender.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision following a state Cabinet meeting on Sunday, aligning it with the Supreme Court's landmark 2014 NALSA vs Union of India case verdict.

"This is a historic step for Assam. The state will now recognize transgender persons under the SEBC category, in compliance with the Supreme Court's directive." CM Sarma told the media.

He stated that this recognition aims to "help integrate them into the mainstream of development and public welfare."

However, Chief Minister Sarma clarified that the benefits under this ...