Third gender makes a formal entry into the force; TN official hopes other States would follow the practice

Three transgenders have finally made their way into Tamil Nadu police force. In a first, the State government had cleared the decks for the third gender to join the force early this year. Of the 50 applicants from the third gender, three have qualified for appointment to the post of police constable.

In the first formal recruitment that opened up the gates to the third gender this year, Dhakshayini of Cuddalore, Prabha Mohan of Krishnagiri and Jagadeeswaran alias Nazriya of Ramanathapuram qualified for appointment. Training for the newly recruited police constables is expected to commence on November 1.

There were instances when transgenders joined the force under the women category, but were dismissed after their gender was detected during routine medical screening. Some of them were reinstated following court orders. This is, however, the first time that a formal attempt was made to encourage transgenders to enter the forces.

Talking to The Hindu, Nazriya thanked the State government and hoped that society would accept and support the third gender in the police force.

All the three candidates scored well and got placed in the Armed Reserve, which is rated as the first category. One candidate, Manju, who passed the written examination was disqualified after she slipped and fell during the 100-metre run.

The Police Training College is now preparing facilities for the third gender. They will be treated as women and imparted training as prescribed to that category. The recruitment was held to fill up about 14,000 posts of Grade-II Police Constables, Firemen and Jail Warders. The next recruitment would be for inducting 10,500 men in the Tamil Nadu Special Police Youth Brigade. The third gender would be eligible to apply to these posts but in the male category.

Transgenders have the option of applying under the male, female or third gender categories. However, those seeking to be considered as a male candidate would have to meet the physical standards set for that category.

A milestone

“As a matter of policy, the third gender will be eligible to apply in all recruitment’s conducted by the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board in future. The entry of transgenders is yet another milestone for the State Police. We were the first to establish the All Women Police Station in the country,” a senior police official said.

M.C. Borwankar Director-General, Bureau of Police Research & Development, welcomed the entry of the third gender into the police force and congratulated the Tamil Nadu police for the achievement.

“It is a welcome move and other States should follow. We have been denying them (the transgenders) their due space for centuries. I am happy that the third gender has joined us,” she said.

On doubts raised by some sections of society on their ability to perform as police and the role they would fit in, Dr. Borwankar said when women were inducted into the police force many in society had the same doubts. “We have now proved our mettle. I am sure the third gender will also rise to the expectations of the department and deliver.”

K Prithika Yashini, 25 years, was the first transgender to join the police force in India as a sub-inspector based on a court order.