For the first time in India, Kochi Metro, a government-owned company has appointed 23 transgenders. The transgenders will be engaged in serving passengers and selling tickets in upcoming Aluva – Palarivattom corridor.
“We would like to give members of the transgender community their rightful share in different jobs at stations. There will be no discrimination between them and women workers,” said Elias George, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.
“I feel that this would change the society’s perception on the transgender community,” Elias added.
“The metro agency is the first government-owned in India to formally recruit them. I hope other firms in Kerala give them a good opportunity to work,” Elias further added.
The days when transgenders used to beg on India’s train network, can be put to an end with such initiatives.From this month, transgenders will have proper jobs like tending to passengers, selling tickets and involving in housekeeping works.
Vincy, a newly employed transgender said,“I feel very comfortable there. We are getting more respect from other workers in Metro”.
“Even when we do get jobs, we are often harassed by others. If I work in an office, the other workers for instance will make fun of how I walk like a woman. I will be the laughingstock,” she added.
However, it is not an easy task for the transgender people to find employment, be it private or government jobs.This initiative has created a ray of hope among the transgenders and they are hoping that the company will provide more such opportunities.
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