9 transgender people among 73,000 applicants for police constable posts in Pune

PUNE: As many as nine transgender persons are among the 73,000 applicants fighting it out in the recruitment process for the constable posts with the Pune police, reflecting a change in mindset.

On Friday, the Pune police’s Twitter handle posted photographs of some candidates who had appeared for the selections at the police grounds. “A day to be recorded in history. Transgender candidates appear for recruitment process at #Pune Police Grounds,” it said.

The police are conducting a recruitment drive to fill positions for 730 police constables and 75 police drivers.

Pune police chief Retesh Kumaarr said, “Recruitments of transgender persons are happening in police forces across the state. It is a good thing and is happening according to state government guidelines.”

Transgender activist Shreegauri Sawant said, “The recruiters must understand that transgender people do not have a support system or access to classes or physical training, which might reflect in their performance. People must be made aware that there are trans men and trans women within the transgender category, and they must be evaluated accordingly.”

Transgender activist Sonali Dalvi said Pune police must focus on gender sensitization of its workforce. “After years of struggle and fighting for basic rights, the recruitment of transgender persons in the city police force is a small yet significant step. There is a long and winding road ahead towards equal rights for the community,” Dalvi said.

Courtesy : TOI

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