Odisha to recruit transpersons in police force

BHUBANESWAR: For the first time, the state police will see transgender people apply for the posts of subinspectors (SIs) and constables with the government on Saturday bringing out a notification for their recruitment. It will recruit 477 SI and 244 constables from among them for Odisha Police.
“Both the posts have their own challenges. We have set graduation as the minimum qualification for the post of SI.The examination pattern has been tweaked. It will include multiple choice (written) test and physical measurement and efficiency tests. For constables, who will be working in the communication wing, Plus II diploma in computer or equivalent qualification is required. They, too, will have to undergo physical measurement and efficiency tests,” DGP Abhay said in a video message.
Inviting the eligible candidates to join the police service, he said, “You will have a good career, the love of people and will be able to serve your state.” For both the posts, the candidates can apply from June 22 to July 15.
The transpersons have not been given a reservation quota on the basis of their gender. They can apply for both the posts and can also avail themselves of caste and other benefits. The state police will come up with the transgender selection parameters (physical yardstick) in a week.
Senior police officers of the personnel department said the physical efficiency requirement will be evaluated soon. “When women first started joining the police force as officers or inspectors, there were many challenges involving the setting of the parameters for them. Efficiency was a concern, but they came out with flying colours. The eligible ones among the transgender people will be selected and I am sure they will do very well. Gradually, they will be able to hone their skills,” an official said.
Former DGP Gopal Nanda hailed the initiative. “If they (transgender) fulfil the requirements of qualification and physical standards, they can join the force like any others person of any other gender. That’s wonderful,” he told TOI.
Meghna Sahoo, secretary, All Odisha Transgender Association, also welcomed the government move. “We have in the past provided our services to the society at large in different capacities. Now it is our turn to serve the police department. After the government’s notification, as many as 45 transgender people have approached me evincing their interest in applying for the constable as well SI job. I think there will be fewer candidates for the post of SI,” she said.