“We are very happy to see five transgender individuals joining as traffic marshals in the Cyberabad commissionerate. This is an important step toward providing dignified employment opportunities for our community. Jareena, Vishalakshi, Anusha, Prabha, and Vasu Priya will be the first batch of transgender traffic marshals in Telangana, and we hope this is just the beginning.

This initiative came after discussions with Cyberabad Women and Children Safety Wing DCP Srujana Karnam, where we stressed the need for employment opportunities for trans individuals. Five have been recruited so far. Their selection was based on background checks, physical fitness tests, and educational qualifications, just like any other traffic marshal. They will undergo the same training and will work during peak traffic hours.

But this should not stop here. We are citizens of this country, and we deserve the same rights as everyone else. There needs to be a structured policy, both at the state and central levels, to ensure job security and fair wages for trans individuals. Representation in decision-making spaces—government jobs, law enforcement, politics—is the only way forward.

Governments will come and go, but the rights of the transgender community should not be dependent on changing leadership. There must be permanent job reservations for transgender individuals in all government departments—police, railways, administration, and public service. Without structured employment opportunities, we are left with no choice but to resort to begging or sex work just to survive. Why should we be pushed to the margins when we are just as capable of contributing to society?

We urge both the Telangana state government and the central government to bring in reservations for transgender individuals across all departments. Give us the opportunity, and we will prove that we belong in every space—not just as a symbol of inclusivity, but as dignified employees, professionals, and contributing members of society.

This pilot project is a start, but the fight for real change continues. We will keep pushing for wider inclusion, stronger rights, and lasting impact.”

— Chandramukhi Muvvala, Transgender Activist