Bengal now allows transgender people to join the police force: Shashi Panja

The Kolkata Police has modified its hiring policies to let transgender people to join the service. Following the passage of the 2022 West Bengal Transgender People (Protection of Rights) Rules, which grant transgender people protection from discrimination, the right to healthcare, work, and education, and legal rights, the decision was accepted by the state cabinet.

The state's minister for women, children, and social welfare, Shashi Panja, outlined the new regulations in further detail. "In accordance with a recent cabinet decision, the Kolkata Police will hire lady constables, including people who identify as transgender. There is no set quota, but if they are interested, they will be hired. We are the only state that has been able to implement the Act established by the parliament for the transgender community in our state, and I am doing this in my capacity as the chairman of the Transgender Development Board," Panja said.

Any transgender person will receive an identity card and a certificate upon self-declaration, under the statute (a medical examination is not required under the rules). "We need to inform people that this is taking place, and they need to complete a form that is also available online; there is no cost associated with this. So, activists and transgender organizations should raise awareness of this," continued Panja.

Although trans communities have adapted well, Panja says that more education about the new laws is needed among residents of Bengal and the surrounding area. "The transgender community was pleased to get their identity cards during a recent event we hosted at Rabindra Sadan. I also pleaded with them to publicise these fresh discoveries and raise awareness of them outside of Kolkata," she added.