Transgenders in Odisha are Eligible to Join Police Department

Bhubaneswar: A great opportunity for the transgender community of Odisha as now they can also be adorned with the uniform as sub inspectors and constables in Odisha Police. 

Odisha Police Recruitment Board has announced the recruitment of 477 posts of Sub- Inspector (SI) and 244 posts of Constable (Communication) in Signals Service and transgender candidates are eligible to apply for the post.

The online application process will commence on June 22 and will continue till July 15.

The announcement has brought a sense of joy among the transgender community across the state. 

Overwhelmed with the government decision of allowing people from the transgender community to join the police department, social activists and President of All Odisha Kinnar Mahasangha, Mira Parida said, “It is a big step to marginalize a community which has been surviving in the society with stigma and discriminations. The community has been struggling to survive without a proper livelihood opportunity.”

“While discussion has been going on regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) across the world whose main component is live no one behind and gender equality. We are happy that Odisha government has created an enabling environment for the transgender community, so that they could lead a dignified life,” she added.

Parida is expecting that many aspiring applicants from the community would apply for the post. A committee has been formed under the guidance of Mira Parida, Meghna Sahoo and Sadhana to help and guide the aspiring candidates. “Even if one candidate qualifies for the post, it would be a big achievement for the community. We have created a committee and will check the documents of the applicants. We are also planning to hire a professional trainer for the physical training of the aspiring applicants.”

Prativa Behera who wants to join the police department said, “I am excited and eagerly waiting to face the interview to be a part of the department. I am preparing myself physically and mentally to perform well in the interview.”