Visakhapatnam Police launch livelihood initiative for transgender persons

Visakhapatnam City Police have launched a humanitarian initiative under Mission Jyotirgamaya aimed at providing dignified livelihood opportunities for transgender persons in the city.

The programme was attended by Visakhapatnam Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, who, along with Commissioner of Police Dr. Shankhabrata Bagchi and senior officials, distributed appointment letters to the beneficiaries.

The initiative was conceptualised under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police to address long-standing social and economic challenges faced by the transgender community through sustainable solutions.

Police officials said the Commissioner reviewed issues related to begging at traffic junctions, incidents at weddings and public gatherings, and complaints from citizens regarding activities in public places. Rather than adopting a punitive approach, these concerns were examined from a humanitarian perspective, with emphasis on long-term rehabilitation.

An awareness meeting was held at the Police Meeting Hall on May 10, 2025, in which around 160 transgender persons participated and interacted directly with the Commissioner.

During the meeting, participants raised concerns including social discrimination, health issues, lack of employment opportunities, personal safety, and social acceptance. The Commissioner assured them that ensuring their dignity and safety was the responsibility of the police and stressed that employment and self-reliance were essential for lasting change.

Under the programme, Mudra loans were sanctioned, iron kiosks were provided to six transgender persons, and 20 individuals were employed as sanitation workers through the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation. The Mayor described the initiative as a positive step towards inclusion and said it would be expanded further.