At the early hour of 4:30 a.m., while many are still asleep, a remarkable journey begins for G. Kavi Raju, a 36-year-old traffic assistant with the Telangana State Police. Traveling nearly 100 kilometers from Siddipet district to Marredpally Traffic Police Station in Hyderabad, Raju is already at his post by the time the city awakens, managing the bustling Jubilee Bus Station (JBS) with confidence and a proud demeanor.
Wearing a crisp white uniform paired with khaki pants and a police cap, Raju expresses his pride in serving as a traffic assistant. “The commute is long, but it gives me the chance to recharge and allows my fellow villagers to see me in this new role,” he notes, eagerly anticipating his move to the city to better serve the community.
Raju’s appointment is part of a groundbreaking initiative by the Telangana government, which welcomed 44 transgender individuals as traffic assistants in December 2024. This effort aims to foster inclusivity and acknowledge the contributions of the transgender community.
For Raju and his colleagues, wearing the uniform signifies more than just a job; it represents a chance to embrace their identities and forge a new path in life. They recount how their transformation from social outcasts to respected figures within their community has been life-altering. “For the first time, we received smiles and greetings from strangers,” they reflect.
A New Beginning
At the busy JBS junction, Raju and his teammate J. Shiva Ram, 30, command respect as they oversee traffic flow. Commuters respond positively, often nodding or smiling in acknowledgement of their authority.
Shiva Ram shares how the uniform symbolizes freedom. Once confined by societal expectations and personal trauma, he now finds purpose in his role. Reflecting on his past, he recalls the hardships he faced before finding acceptance in his new identity. “Hearing my colleagues call me J. Shiva Ram is the highest form of respect,” he states proudly.
Shiva Ram balances his duties as a traffic assistant with his studies in Engineering and Arts, having previously worked in management. His persistence paid off after attempting examinations for law enforcement positions multiple times. “Even if I had passed, I wouldn’t be J. Shiva Ram today,” he affirms.
For Sania, 26, also a newly appointed traffic assistant in Hyderabad’s Tolichowki area, this role is a culmination of a decade spent overcoming adversity. Once relegated to survival jobs such as domestic help and street vending, her appointment signals a joyful turnaround. “Now, directing traffic where I once begged is a dream come true,” she beams.
Hailing from Mahbubnagar, Sania emphasizes the newfound respect she receives, having transformed from societal rejection to acceptance. Her story, along with many others, highlights a shift in perception toward the transgender community, a change celebrated by activists like Vyjayanthi Vasanta Mogli.
Mogli praises this initiative as revolutionary, providing hope for a community long sidelined in traditional roles. “This opens doors for many to envision different futures,” she explains, reflecting a growing aspiration among the community to join mainstream services.
Activist Rachana Mudraboyina emphasizes the importance of this initiative extending into other government sectors. “Breaking the stigma around being transgender has been a long journey, and this pilot project could inspire many more to join the force,” she advocates.
Hyderabad’s Commissioner of Police, C.V. Anand, highlights the necessity of integrating the transgender community into societal roles. “They have faced exclusion throughout their lives. This initiative provides the chance to break that cycle and demonstrate their capabilities,” he states, aspiring for the project’s success to inspire similar efforts nationwide.
Training and onboarding efforts were implemented to ensure a smooth transition for the new recruits. Marredpally Traffic Police Inspector, J. Bhaskar, affirms that the team is committed to fostering respect and equality within the workplace. “The new recruits have already adapted well to their roles,” he remarks.
Each traffic assistant will earn a monthly salary in the range of ₹26,000 to ₹30,000, equating to Home Guards’ pay scale. They will enjoy additional benefits, including medical treatment and access to loans from the welfare fund. Their roles will serve as a six-month pilot program, with future expansion based on successful outcomes anticipated by June 2025.
Earning Their First Paycheck
K. Srivalli, 24, is excited about her first paycheck, looking forward to purchasing a two-wheeler for commuting between her assigned areas in Jeedimetla and Mahankali. “This paycheck feels special as it marks a new chapter in my life,” she shares.
Her journey from Rajashekhar to Srivalli has been filled with challenges and self-discovery. After moving to Hyderabad, she underwent gender-affirming surgery and has worked various jobs to survive, including reporting for a local news outlet. “Despite my struggles, I was determined to forge my own path,” she asserts.
For Nitya, 30, a native of Karimnagar, her salary will be dedicated entirely to her parents. “The overwhelming support from my family and community highlights the significance of this opportunity,” she expresses gratefully.
Both Nitya and Srivalli report positive interactions with the public, though they remain mindful of their community’s historical struggles. “Even in difficult moments, the respect we earned through our uniforms has been encouraging,” Nitya mentions.
Sania anticipates celebrating her first income by hosting a gathering for friends and supporters who have stood by her through adversities.
Breaking Free from Fear
At 25, G. Sarala manages traffic at the bustling Masab Tank junction, carrying the weight of worries about family rejection. After leaving home at 16, she earned both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while resenting attempts by her family to impose traditional gender norms.
For 25-year-old Ishaan, the journey has also been filled with challenges, marked by rejection from loved ones and society. He currently oversees traffic flow at Amberpet, all while coping with a lack of family acceptance. “I continue to live my truth despite their disapproval,” he remarks.
Training and Onboarding
The Telangana government initiated India’s pioneering transgender recruitment and welfare program in September, resulting in a thorough selection procedure that culminated in the appointment of 44 candidates. On December 6, they officially joined the police force.
Following extensive training on traffic management and related skills, these individuals now serve across various traffic police stations in Hyderabad, effectively becoming integral parts of the community they serve.
Published – January 17, 2025 07:53 am IST
