Authorities in the southern Indian city of Visakhapatnam have launched a new effort to help transgender people find stable work and live with greater dignity.
The initiative, known as Mission Jyotirgamaya, is being led by the Vizag city police with support from local government bodies and community organisations. The programme was launched with the broader goal of making Visakhapatnam a beggar-free city, but officials say it focuses on providing purpose and opportunity rather than punishment.
As part of the first phase, 20 transgender individuals have been hired as sanitation workers by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. In addition, five people from the community have received loans from the State Bank of India to help them start small businesses.
City police commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi said the programme is based on the belief that everyone deserves respect and a chance to build a better life. “Every individual has a right to live with dignity,” he said, adding that beggars and transgender people should be given opportunities rather than ignored.
Police officials said the initiative will continue to expand in the coming months. The long-term aim is to create employment opportunities for all transgender people in the city who are seeking work.
The programme reflects a growing push in parts of India to promote inclusion and improve access to jobs for marginalized communities.
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