Transgenders get their due in Tamil Nadu police; get formal entry as 3 more don the cap
- In a first, the State government had cleared the decks for the third gender to join the force early this year.
- Training for the newly recruited police constables is expected to commence on November 1.
- All the three candidates scored well and got placed in the Armed Reserve, which is rated as the first category.
FollowAfter 25-year-old K Prithika Yashini's recruitment in the police force, three more transgenders have been inducted in a much-applauded move. In a first, the State government had cleared the decks for the third gender to join the force early this year. Incidentally, of the 50 applicants from the third gender, three have qualified for appointment to the post of police constable.
Among those recruited this year are Dhakshayini of Cuddalore, Prabha Mohan of Krishnagiri and Jagadeeswaran alias Nazriya of Ramanathapuram. Training for the newly recruited police constables is expected to commence on November 1. All the three candidates scored well and got placed in the Armed Reserve, which is rated as the first category. While Nazriya thanked the State Government, one candidate Manju passed the written exam but slipped and fell during the 100-metre run.
Earlier there have been instances when transgenders joined the force under the women category, but were dismissed after their gender was detected during the medical screening. However, following the court order, some of them were reinstated. This, however, is the first time that a formal attempt was made to encourage transgenders to enter the force.
The Police Training College is now preparing facilities for the third gender. They will be treated as women and imparted training as per the norms in that category. The recruitment was held to fill up about 14,000 posts of Grade-II Police Constables, Firemen and Jail Warders. The next recruitment would be for recruitment of 10,500 men in Tamil Nadu Special Police Youth Brigade. The Third Gender would be eligible to apply to these posts but in the male category.
Incidentally, transgenders have the option of applying under the male, female and the third category. However, those seeking to be considered as a male candidate need to meet the standards set for that category.
