By Express News Service

KOCHI: The DYFI on Friday passed a resolution to ask the Central Government to decriminalise homosexuality.

In the resolution passed at the ongoing national conference of the party here, DYFI leaders said being homosexual is not a crime.

“Every citizen has the right to choose his/her sexual orientation - lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Many young people are forced to lead secluded lives just because they are homosexual. The DYFI will campaign against the undemocratic attitude being meted out to the LGBT community and demand abolition of Section-377 of the IPC,” stated the resolution.

The organisation called for special budgetary provisions to provide education to members of the transgender community, and measures to accord them the status of ‘socially and educationally backward class.’ It also demanded reservation for the transgender community in educational institutions and in employment, like the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes.

“It has been decided to intensify the agitation against the Union Budget. It was a disappointing Budget, especially for the country’s youth. Another resolution is against the government’s inaction in addressing the growing unemployment in the country. The BJP Government has failed to keep its election promise on creating new jobs. After the demonetisation, the country’s economy is facing a slowdown,” said DYFI national president M B Rajesh.

Further, the delegates urged the Centre to enact a rule to end caste discrimination in educational institutions. “The Act should be named after Rohit Vemula, who is a victim of caste discrimination. Another resolution was passed to seek introduction of job reservation in the private sector to ensure employment for the marginalised sections,” said Rajesh. The DYFI will amend its constitution to increase women’s representation in the organisation. It was observed that the DYFI had so far failed in making inroads into some states.

Organ donation

The 750-odd delegates participating in the 10th national conference of the DYFI signed consent letters to donate their organs. Later, the signed consent letters were handed over to cardiac surgeon Dr Chacko Periyappuram.