Transgender traffic police get the green light in India’s Telangana state
Activists cautiously welcome the move – but call for broader support and sustainable job opportunities for all transgender people
The government has proposed offering a stipend to these transgender traffic regulators, with the details still in the works. As one of the most marginalised groups in a largely conservative society, transgender individuals are often forced to sustain themselves by begging at traffic lights or seeking handouts from motorists.
Revanth Reddy, chief minister of Telangana, has tasked senior traffic authorities with gauging the willingness of the transgender community to take on this role, viewing it as a dual solution to employment and traffic regulation.
“It is the best example of creative and lateral thinking in governance,” the minister’s office said in a statement, highlighting the potential for impactful change.
The plan includes training for around 3,000 transgender individuals over 10 days, equipping them with specially designed uniforms. In the coming months, about 1,000 are set to be deployed in the state capital of Hyderabad, though they will be expected to work as contractual employees with limited authority to penalise traffic violations.
Support for the initiative is tempered with caution from trans rights activists, who emphasise the need for careful planning.