GRP helps transgenders quit begging, get stable jobs

“The idea is to stop them from disturbing commuters and help them find jobs,” said Z Annie Vijaya, Superintendent of Police, Railways, who is co-ordinating the new initiative. “We are in touch with a few multinational companies to identify suitable jobs and have asked the candidates to submit their resumes,” she added.

The Government Railway Police (GRP) have formed a 14-member committee, including 12 socially popular transgenders, to push forward this idea of rehabilitating transgenders. The committee’s first meeting took place on April 10 in Chennai. 

The authorities found that arresting transgengers for begging or extorting money from the passengers didn’t act as a deterrent as many of them would return to it once released. “If we help them get a stable job, it will boost their self-esteem and prevent them from returning to begging,” said the SP.

“This is the first initiative of its kind. We don’t think there will be a change overnight. But we are trying to help as much as possible,” noted Sudha, who is a member of Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board and the committee formed by the railway police. 

“Transgenders are exploited everywhere. In certain areas, anti-social elements threaten and extort money from them. We need to sensitise them about the need for a socially respectable job. It is a long-term process. But we are positive about bringing some change,” Sudha added.