Hyderabad's Transgender Recruitment Drive Brings New Hope
07 JAN 2025
A special recruitment drive was held at the Goshamahal Police Grounds to hire transgender individuals as Traffic Assistants. This initiative is seen as a big step toward inclusivity and empowerment in the state.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy started this program to give the transgender community formal recognition and job opportunities. The Hyderabad Traffic Police, along with the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Home Department, played a key role in making this happen.
Out of 58 candidates who applied, 44 were selected, including 29 transgender women and 15 transgender men. The selection process included physical tests like an 800-meter run, long jump, and shot put. Candidates had to be aged 18-40, have at least a 10th-grade education, and provide a personal identity card from the District Magistrate.
A committee of senior police officers and welfare officials oversaw the recruitment process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Nisha, one of the new Traffic Assistants, shared how the job transformed her life. “I used to beg on the same streets where I now manage traffic. My parents and friends, who earlier rejected me, now accept me and appreciate my work,” she said.
Another recruit, Sana, talked about the respect they now receive from the public, calling it a life-changing experience.
This initiative began in November 2024 when CM Reddy directed officials to appoint transgender individuals as traffic volunteers in high-traffic areas. Designed to provide employment opportunities similar to home guards, the program offered a dress code, salary, and formal recognition.
By December 6, 2024, CM Reddy personally handed over enrolment papers to the selected candidates, and by December 22, they were formally inducted into service. The transition of 39 transgender individuals from seeking alms to managing city traffic has been lauded as a milestone in empowerment and societal acceptance.
The program began in November 2024, with transgender individuals initially hired as traffic volunteers in busy areas. By December, they were formally inducted as Traffic Assistants, with a uniform and salary similar to home guards.
Out of 100 applicants, 44 were chosen after passing physical and eligibility tests, and 39 successfully completed their training.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) P. Viswa Prasad praised the new recruits for their dedication. “They are doing well and are eager to integrate with society. With time, they will gain more professional skills,” he said.
Alongside this, the state has also launched transgender clinics in all 33 districts and flagged off 213 ambulances as part of its ‘Health Festival.’
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