New Delhi, April 15 (IANS): The UN Development Programme (UNDP) Tuesday hailed the Supreme Court judgement on transgenders, saying it was an important step in ending discrimination against the community.

The bench of Justice K.S. Radhakrishnan and Justice A.K. Sikri said transgenders should be considered as people from socially and economically backward classes, and also ordered the centre and state governments to include them for reservation in jobs and education.

"UNDP joins the community and country in celebrating the Supreme Court's landmark judgment," said Lise Grande, UN resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative.

"We congratulate the government of India, the National Legal Services Authority and the transgender community for their efforts to affirm that individuals have the right to choose their identity."

Since 2009, UNDP has supported efforts at greater recognition for transgenders. This has included convening stakeholder consultations, generating awareness in the legal community and strengthening community institutions, she said.