From Ms to Mr: Govt permits IRS officer to officially change name and gender

Srinagar, Jul 09: In a first in the history of Indian Civil Services, the ministry of finance has approved an appeal by a senior Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer to officially change her name and gender.

Ms M Anusuya, IRS, submitted a petition to the ministry, requesting the government’s approval to change her name to Mr M Anukathir Surya and her gender from female to male, said the Finance Ministry, in an order.

Anusuya is presently posted as Joint Commissioner in Chief Commissioner (AR), CESTAT, Hyderabad.

“The request of Ms M Anusuya has been considered. Henceforth, the officer will be recognised as ‘Mr M Anukathir Surya’ in all official records,” read the order.

The order further added that the decision was taken with the “approval of the competent authority”.

The development is being seen as a recognition and acceptance of gender identity within the Indian Civil Services.