‘If you want something from the bottom of your heart, the entire universe conspires to get it for you’- these words are turning into reality for the transgender people. This change is absolutely extraordinary for the community that faces unacceptance, discrimination and disrespect to the core. They are mostly thrown out of their own homes and it’s really difficult for them to find stable employment or a high position in society.
In a bid to strive for an inclusive society where transgender people can also enjoy the equal rights with other citizens of the country, Chhattisgarh recruited transgender People in Police Force. A new history is about to be written which will definitely inspire our next generation.
In a first, the Chhattisgarh police recruited 13 transgender people as constables in four districts of the state. It is probably the first state in the country, where such a large number of transgender people are joining the police. Until now, only two transgender police personnel were recruited in India — one in Tamil Nadu, another in Rajasthan. The Bihar government has recently decided to recruit transgenders in the police force.
Transgender rights activist Vidya Rajput, congratulated those who got selected in the exam.
She said that this is a huge step that would change people’s attitude towards us. The progressive mindset would bring us opportunities to work as an alternative to beg and dance in trains.
Shaburi, a transgender who got selected said, ‘Wearing the uniform of police is a matter of honor for me. Everyone respects this uniform. As a child, I was different from boys. Everyone used to make fun of me, abused me. Then I noticed that everyone is afraid of the police, gives them respect. It is the time when I decided to be a part of the law enforcement entity. When in the year 2017, we came to know that we too can get a chance in police recruitment, we started our preparations. Getting into the field and preparing for physical training was extremely difficult. But now when the selection has taken place, there is a lot of happiness. Until now, the police uniform that we had longed for, will give us honor.
While sharing her story Shivanya, another successful candidate told, ‘Due to the financial constraints, she also used to sweep the houses with her mother. When she grew up, the owners pressured them to withdraw from work. We were bounded to leave that job. When she reached college to study, the boys used to tease her while going to the toilet. People used to tease her by calling ‘eunuch’ and with other derogatory terms. Amid these intolerable situations, she continued to do all her efforts to establish an identity and finally, she succeeded.’
Naina of Raipur told, “4 years ago, my family expelled me from the house because of my gender. The housemates used to pressurize me to live like boys. But I used to feel a woman inside me. I wanted to be like girls. I used to work at a clothes shop in Raipur. But I lost my job during lockdown. Even I had to beg to earn the bread. But I worked very hard for this exam under the same miserable conditions. It was a rare opportunity for us which could change our lives. I actually have no words to express my happiness.”
In 2014, the Supreme Court recognised transgender community as a third gender along with male and female and ruled that they have equal privilege over the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
In 2017, the Chhattisgarh police decided to include third gender in their recruitment exam.
TG community is quite excited about this change and they said that till now people fear seeing us clapping in trains now we would provide them security from the ones they fear.
They said that having no liability of family, they would give their best and dedicate themselves in their duty. Moreover, it is the first step being taken towards helping us join the mainstream and we won’t let you down, the TGs said.