LGBTQ community hails govt's call for transgender persons as traffic volunteers in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has announced a plan to employ transgender persons as traffic volunteers in Hyderabad.

The initiative, announced by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, is India’s first-ever recruitment and social welfare program aimed towards the inclusion of transgender individuals in the public workforce.

Recruitment and training plan

On Friday, CM Revanth Reddy directed the concerned officials to begin the process of identifying transgender candidates interested in joining the traffic management force.

He assured that after selection, these candidates would undergo a week-long to 10-day specialised training program. They will receive traffic management skills comparable to those of home guards and traffic police officers.

The recruited volunteers will also be provided with a special uniform to distinguish them from other traffic personnel. Additionally, the government will offer a monthly stipend to the volunteers, ensuring both financial security and a sense of societal respect for the community.

The initiative aims to support Hyderabad’s traffic police department while addressing concerns over traffic congestion, especially in the city’s bustling areas. The CM expressed confidence that this move would make Hyderabad a model for efficient traffic management among India’s top five cities.

A path to inclusion and empowerment

The recruitment program represents a vital social welfare initiative.

CM Reddy emphasised that by giving transgender individuals a platform to serve the public, the government is promoting inclusivity and offering them a dignified livelihood. “This will help provide financial stability while ensuring their rightful place in society,” he stated.

In addition to Hyderabad’s relatively lower levels of traffic congestion compared to other metropolitan areas, the CM believes this initiative will further elevate the city’s status as a benchmark for urban traffic management.

LGBTQ+ community reactions

The announcement has sparked positive reactions from transgender individuals and LGBTQ+ activists. Many have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a step toward societal recognition and empowerment for the transgender community.

Speaking to media, Meera, a transgender rights activist, praised the initiative.

“For years, we have been marginalized and excluded from government roles. This program gives us hope that our community will finally be seen as equal members of society,” she said. Meera also highlighted how such initiatives could reduce the stigma faced by transgender people in their day-to-day lives.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community also celebrated the move as a much-needed intervention for transgender individuals. Sunil Kumar, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate working for Streetcause PRIDE commented, “This is not just a job opportunity; it’s a step toward dignity and inclusion. The fact that the government is recognizing the potential of transgender people in public service is a welcome change.”

Kumar further emphasised that while this initiative is a milestone, it is crucial for the government to ensure that transgender individuals receive equal pay and workplace protection in the long run.

Looking beyond traffic management

Transgender individuals who have faced years of social and economic discrimination view the program as a model that could open doors to broader employment opportunities.

Lakshmi, a transgender woman from Hyderabad, expressed optimism: “This is the first step, but there’s potential for much more. With proper training, transgender people can work in many fields, not just traffic management. We are ready to contribute in every sector.”

Lessons from Cyberabad’s Traffic Marshals

The move to hire transgender volunteers comes on the heels of Cyberabad Police’s successful initiative titled ‘Traffic Marshals.’

Launched in July, this program deployed trained volunteers to regulate traffic in the city’s IT corridor. Drawing inspiration from the ‘Traffic Marshals,’ the Telangana government’s transgender recruitment program is expected to help manage traffic while promoting inclusivity.

While the initiative is still in its early stages, the reaction from both transgender individuals and the LGBTQ+ community has been overwhelmingly positive.