Transgenders in Hyderabad Take on New Roles as Traffic Assistants
In Hyderabad, 39 transgenders have taken a remarkable step forward in their journey towards empowerment. Once seen seeking alms on city roads, they are now managing traffic at the very same locations. These individuals have been appointed as traffic assistants on a pilot basis, working alongside the city police. This new role has brought them dignity and respect, a stark contrast to the severe discrimination they faced in the past.
“It feels amazing to manage traffic at places where we used to beg,” shared Nisha, one of the transgender traffic assistants, on Friday. Nisha works at Patny Centre in the city and expressed gratitude to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for creating this opportunity for the transgender community.
Another traffic assistant, Sana, highlighted the newfound respect they receive from citizens. “Earlier, people hesitated to even talk to us, but now we are treated with pride and respect,” she said.
P Viswa Prasad, the Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), stated that the transgender traffic assistants have been performing well. In the 10 days since they started, there have been no complaints or unusual incidents reported about their work.
The initiative formally began when the Chief Minister handed over “enrolment papers” to the selected transgender individuals on December 6, 2024. They were officially inducted as traffic assistants on December 22.
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner C V Anand, around 100 transgenders applied for the posts. After undergoing a selection process, including physical tests, 44 were shortlisted, and 39 completed the necessary training to take on their roles.
This program marks a significant step in empowering the transgender community and integrating them into mainstream society.
