To bring one of the most marginalized sections of society, the transgender community, into the mainstream and help them assimilate well into it, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), Maharashtra, has decided to provide employment opportunities to them. 

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the Municipal Commissioner and Administrator of PCMC, IAS officer Rajesh Patil, shared details about the same.

EMPLOYING TRANSGENDERS 

PCMC has undertaken a special project called the ‘Transgender Rehabilitation Programme’, wherein efforts will be taken to bring the third gender into the mainstream. Under this program, PCMC is making keen efforts to provide employment generation opportunities to the transgender community in the best possible ways.

In an attempt to extend helping hands to the transgender community and help them in becoming self-reliant, the civic body appointed them as security guards and included them in the Green Marshal team. People from the community have been appointed on a contract basis as security guards and green marshals for municipal service through a private organization.  The letter of appointment was handed over to the community members by Mr. Patil during a specially organized function.

Sharing details about the project, Mr. Patil said, “The civic body held initial meetings with the community members before launching the program where we realized the need for employment for the upliftment of this community. Therefore, the civic administration planned how employment can be generated in the municipal corporation for them. After meetings with community representatives, we decided to appoint some transgender community members as security guards in a systematic way.”

A MATTER OF PRIDE

Mr. Patil hopes that the step taken by the municipal corporation for the inclusion of marginal groups into mainstream society is a pioneer movement. He believes that the movement would be exemplary for others if the third parties successfully fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to them as security guards and green marshals.

On the occasion of handing out the appointment letters, a program was organized in the main administrative building of PCMC, where Deputy Commissioner Ravi Kiran Ghodke, Additional Commissioner Vikas Dhakne, and other government officers were present. 

Expressing his happiness on the occasion, Mr. Patil said, “The transgender community has taken a bold step by accepting the job offered by the Municipal Corporation to come into the mainstream.  There are many challenges in bringing a neglected society into the mainstream.  It is a matter of great pride that the community has accepted this offer and is on their way to lead a life of self-reliance.”

A BIG DAY FOR ALL

The occasion brought with it pride and happiness not only to the members of PCMC but also to the 3000 transgenders residing in the twin towns. Talking about the community, Mr. Patil said, “The day is particularly memorable for all of us. The positive change in their lives and the successful journey they will make will be exemplary for others. We can only guide them in their journey but it is they who have to take the right steps. Through this step, we will make them understand that even permanent government establishments have job opportunities for them, so they shouldn’t fear the obstacles that might come their way, but fight them and overcome all the challenges in their journey. We are here to support them in every step that they take.”

WORDS FROM THE COMMUNITY

Nikita Mukhyadal, a newly-appointed transgender security guard shared: “We have always wanted to live a life of self-respect rather than a life of humiliation and contempt. We were rejected by society but PCMC has shown faith in us and respects us. I have got new hope for life through this esteemed opportunity. This is an honor bestowed on us by the Municipal Corporation and we will remain committed to fulfilling the trust placed in us.”

Similarly, Prem Lotlikar, who was appointed to the Green Marshall squad, said, “The problems and difficulties of Transmen are unending.  A Transman certificate is not easily obtained. Many establishments do not even offer jobs.  You can’t even beg. In such a situation, PCMC understood our plight and allowed us to work in the corporation’s green marshal squad. We will never forget this honor given to us by the Municipal Corporation.”

Furthermore, Rupa Taksal, who was appointed as a security guard, shared: “We thought we would not be able to live well after we left home. We were living with the feeling that we would have to endure humiliation for the rest of our lives. A life of dignity was a dream for us. This dream has come true and we are grateful for this honor.”

MORE STEPS TO FOLLOW

PCMC has also decided to launch a one-window scheme for the community to tackle issues they face. A separate officer and staff will be recruited for the scheme. The civic body would provide free health check-ups to them in municipal hospitals, and regular health check-up camps will also be organized.

Recently, the civic body had also set up separate public toilets for the community. The PCMC even made a budgetary provision of Rs. 24 lakhs in the civic budget of 2022-23 for the upliftment of transgender people. They have also planned to conduct skill development programs for the community.