Hyderabad Transgender Traffic Guard Jobs: Step Toward Inclusivity

Hyderabad: The transgender community in Telangana has expressed a mix of enthusiasm and concerns following the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s decision to recruit transgender individuals for traffic management roles in the Hyderabad city. While the move is largely welcomed as a step towards inclusivity, many members of the community are seeking more clarity and wider opportunities in other sectors, apart from Hyderabad traffic management.

Hyderabad Mail makes an exclusive conversation with the transgender community leaders to know their views and concerns on the proposed job opportunity in Hyderabad. With over 5,000 transgender individuals in Hyderabad alone, the community hopes this move would carve a path for broader inclusion in various sectors and bring attention to their long-standing demands.

KVM Monalisa, founder of the Telangana Transgender People’s Association, expressed optimism about the decision and said, “We are glad for this decision, especially given the Supreme Court’s rulings on LGBTQ rights. It offers hope for overall welfare and equal opportunities. We are happy with this decision and hope it moves forward positively. Many educated transgender individuals are ready to take up the job.”

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The recruitment is seen as a breakthrough, especially for those who have long faced discrimination and marginalization. However, there are certain issues that need to be addressed, says the community.

Need more clarity on the Hyderabad traffic guard job

Rachana Mudaraboyina, a member of the previous Telangana Transgender Welfare Board, said, “We welcome the decision but need more clarity on several aspects. Is it a temporary job or a long-term, sustainable position? Will there be pension, Provident Fund (PF), and medical insurance benefits? The lack of discussion with the transgender community makes this a one-sided decision.”

The community has emphasized the importance of broadening the scope of such recruitment to sectors beyond traffic management. “Only the police department is hiring transgender people, why not all departments?” questioned Mudaraboyina. She pointed out that the 2020 Transgender Protection Rules require every government to ensure employment opportunities across departments, a mandate that many state governments have not fully implemented.

Will drop-out and uneducated transgenders be given an opportunity?

For many in the transgender community, this decision offers a chance for financial independence, but without an educational background or professional qualifications, several members face challenges. KVM Monalisa added, “While there are educated trans individuals who can take up these jobs, many of us remain uneducated due to discrimination, lack of awareness, and lack of acceptance by families, many had to drop out from their educational institutions. The government must also focus on education alongside employment.”

The community called for more proactive measures to ensure transgender individuals have equal access to education and are not left behind due to socio-economic constraints. “There are a lot of people who are school dropouts, so we urge the government to take proactive steps in terms of education. We need policies that create a supportive atmosphere for transgender children to pursue their studies. Right now, that environment is lacking, and the change should begin there,” said Mudaraboyina.

Rachana Mudaraboyina also expressed concerns about qualifications and recruitment criteria, urging the government to provide clear guidelines. “We don’t know what qualifications are required or what the expected salary will be. Irrespective of educational background, people should be recruited, trained, and given opportunities.”

Despite the challenges, the community remains hopeful. “We are happy for this opportunity. At the end of the day, we also have rents to pay and need money to survive and for that we need a job to do,” ends Monalisa.