Hyderabad: Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) on Monday termed the State government’s decision to recruit transgenders as traffic assistants was historic and appreciated them for their commendable role in Hyderabad garnering widespread satisfaction.
She noted that the governments in other States and the central government were also initiating similar measures. She announced that the transgender community would be allotted Indiramma housing under the disability quota.
Seethakka, who chaired a review meeting at the Secretariat, also mentioned the establishment of Maitri clinics in districts and assured that efforts would be made to create more opportunities for them in other government departments. The Minister reiterated that the primary objective of the program was to provide equal opportunities and integrate the transgender community into the mainstream of society.
In a pioneering move towards the empowerment and inclusion of the transgender community, the Telangana government appointed 44 transgender individuals as traffic assistants in Hyderabad in December 2024.
The initiative marks a significant step in integrating them into society and providing them with meaningful employment opportunities. Telangana is the first state in the country to take such a decision to include the transgender community in government jobs.
The government adopted it as a pilot project, requesting a report after six months based on the conduct of these individuals and the feedback received.
Women and Child Welfare Department Secretary Anitha Ramachandran, who was also at the meeting, stated that the government’s monumental step has received overwhelmingly positive responses, with calls coming in from various states.
She added that based on the report submitted after the pilot project, plans would be prepared to recruit transgender individuals in other government departments and districts as well.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner, CV Anand stated that the process of recruiting transgender individuals was completed within 10 days in December, following instructions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Currently, 38 traffic assistants are serving in the Hyderabad City Police Traffic Department.
He mentioned that not a single complaint has been registered against them in the past six months. He emphasized that these individuals will serve as role models for the entire nation, and Telangana will lead the country in providing employment opportunities to the transgender community.
He also offered assistance to those interested in private security jobs and urged them to perform their duties responsibly to earn a good reputation, which would encourage further government support. He congratulated everyone for their cooperation with the government’s decision and for earning a good name in society.
Traffic officials present at the meeting highlighted that the traffic assistants are working harmoniously with police station staff and are diligent in their duties. They also participate in traffic bandobust duties with other personnel. Having faced numerous challenges in society, these individuals are performing their traffic duties with ease.
The traffic assistants and NGO members expressed their gratitude to Revanth Reddy for giving them recognition that they had not received in the past 76 years. They affirmed that they are performing their duties without any difficulties and are respected by their fellow police personnel.
They shared that while they once feared the police, they now feel honored to work alongside them. They added that the government’s decision has given them immense courage and increased their respect in society, which was once a source of disillusionment in their lives.
They also requested that they be provided with facilities similar to those offered to home guards. They expressed their appreciation for being given the same uniform as home guards instead of a separate color, signifying their equal treatment.
