Ms M Anusuya to Mr M. Anukathir Surya: IRS officer in Hyderabad allowed to change name, gender

Hyderabad: For the first time in the history of civil services, a 2013 batch IRS officer posted as joint commissioner at Hyderabad, has been granted permission by the Ministry of Finance, to change both name and gender from Ms M Anusuya to Mr M. Anukathir Surya.

An officer of the Customs and Indirect Taxes (C&IT) department, Anukathir currently serves as the Joint Commissioner in the office of the Chief Commissioner (AR), Customs Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) in Hyderabad.

The officer has requested for change of his name to Mr. M.Anukathir Surya and the gender from Female to Male. The request of M. Anusuya has been considered. Henceforth, the officer will be recognized as "Mr. M.Anukathir Surya" in all official records.

This historic move marks an important step forward for inclusivity and recognition of gender identity within the Indian civil services.

The Ministry's decision underscores a growing acceptance and support for individuals undergoing gender transition, setting a precedent for future cases.

The community and colleagues have expressed their support and admiration for Mr. Anukathir Surya's courage and the Ministry's progressive stance.

This supportive and welcoming response from the community highlights a shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of gender diversity in professional settings.

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Anukathir holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication from Madras Institute of Technology. He also completed a PG Diploma in Cyber Law and Cyber Forensics from the National Law Institute University in Bhopal in 2023. He began his career as an Assistant Commissioner in the Central Board of C&IT in Chennai and was later promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 2018. It was in 2023 that he joined CESTAT in Hyderabad.