Kochi Metro to hire transgenders

Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has come to the aid of the transgender community who have been facing discrimination from all sections of the society in Kochi, Kerala. The company has decided to employ transgenders in the operations and maintenance department of the Kochi Metro.

Also Read: Fed up with police atrocities in Kerala, transgenders warn mass suicide

The decision was taken at a discussion held by the Kochi Police Commissioner, M P Dinesh and KMRL Managing Director, Alias George.

As per police records there are about 128 transgenders in the city and KMRL has decided to provide them the means for dignified living. KMRL will engage Kudumbasree to provide training to members of the transgender community in customer relations, crowd management and house-keeping.

Transgenders are facing a lot of issues in the state. It was only a few days ago that the transgenders in the city had a clash with those from outside the state. On Sunday, two transgenders were allegedly beaten up by the police while waiting at a bus shelter. Both of them were admitted to the hospital, and Kerala police chief Loknath Behera had sought a report from the city police commissioner.

During a protest march held by the transgender community in the city their main complaint was the lack of job opportunities. They had complained to the police that the society refused to offer them any jobs and this had forced them into the ugly world of flesh trade.

It was based on this complaint that the police supported the idea of providing transgenders jobs at Kochi Metro.

Last Updated Mar 31, 2018, 7:00 PM IST