In a historic decision, Odisha Police on Saturday opened its doors to the transgender community, inviting applications for the posts of constable and sub-inspector.
Odisha Police Recruitment Board has invited online applications from men, women and transgenders for the appointment of 477 Sub-Inspector and 244 Constable (Communication). The application portal will be open from 22 June to 15 July.
“I invite qualified women and men to join the Odisha Police as constables (communication) and SIs to serve the people of the state. Also, for the first time, people belonging to the transgender category can apply for both the posts,” Director General of Police Abhay told reporters in Cuttack.
However, differently-abled people will not be eligible to apply.
“Transgender candidates are eligible to apply, PWD (Persons with Disabilities) are not eligible to apply,” the notification seeking the applications stated.
Abhay said the recruitment to the SI post will be done to the main police cadre, while the constable (communications) is a technical cadre.
Meera Paridha welcomes decision:
Welcoming the decision, Meera Parida Chairman, All Odisha Transgender Welfare Association said: “We thank to the Chief Minister and Home Department for taking this decision towards gender equality and the development of the Transgender Community. This step will not only boost their confidence but will also change the perception of the society towards transgender persons.”
The Odisha Kinner and Third Gender Mahasangh, a transgender body, has also welcomed the decision of the Odisha Police and thanked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
“For the first time, a public advertisement has been issued seeking application from transgender people in government jobs in the state. Including the transgender people in the force will not only boost the confidence of the community, but also change the society’s perception towards transgender people,” Mahasangh founder president Pratap KumarSahu said.
The Odisha government had earlier decided to recruit transgender people as jail warders but a notification is yet to be issued.
Supreme Court recognised transgender community as 3rd gender in 2014
The Supreme Court recognised the transgender community as the third gender in 2014 and ruled they have equal privileges over the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Parliament has also enacted the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, to provide the community equal rights.
