CHENNAI: For Pragathi, who has spent the past five years teaching tailoring in Red Hills, the appointment order she received on Tuesday marked more than just a new job. It signalled recognition, inclusion and a sense of belonging.
One among 50 trans persons inducted into the TN Home Guard, she now looks forward to serving the public in uniform.
Appointment orders were issued by Chief Minister MK Stalin in Chennai on Tuesday to candidates who had undergone 21 days of training.
Pragathi had completed a fashion designing course and is also trained in classical dance. When she came across the notification inviting applications from trans persons for the Home Guard, she applied. “This opportunity will help trans persons move forward,” she said.
Another appointee, D Pranikasri from Kasimedu, is from Snegithi, a trans persons community group. “We were given training for 21 days and assured a stipend of Rs 500 per day during the training period,” said Pranikasri, who is pursuing BCom through distance education from University of Madras.
The state recently increased monthly pensions for the community to Rs 1,500 and extended the Puthumai Penn scholarship of Rs 1,000 to transgender students.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also distributed cheques for the enhanced Pongal financial assistance of Rs 2,000.
“Home Guard duties for at least 20 days/month will ensure steady engagement and inspire others from the community.”
According to a press release issued by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, the first phase of the initiative covers 50 trans persons, including 5 in Chennai, 15 in Tambaram, 10 in Avadi, 7 each in Madurai and Coimbatore, and 6 in Tiruchy.
On behalf of the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department, CM Stalin presented an appointment order to the 3,00,000th candidate secured through the state's mega private-sector job fairs. These drives, organised by the Employment and Training Department, serve as a platform for youth to secure positions in diverse private industries.
The distribution of financial aid is timed with the upcoming January harvest festival. This follows the state's recent rollout of a Rs 3,000 cash assistance package and gift hampers containing rice, sugar, and sugarcane.
The recruits will assist the police in duties such as traffic management and crowd control during festival seasons.
The induction ceremony was attended by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, Social Welfare Minister Geetha Jeevan, Chief Secretary Muruganandam, DGP Venkatraman, and other senior officials.