Hyderabad – In a move to address traffic congestion and drunken driving, Hyderabad will soon begin recruiting transgenders as traffic volunteers. The decision, announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, will see transgenders deployed in busy areas of Greater Hyderabad to manage traffic and assist with "drunk and drive" checks.

Reddy suggested utilizing transgenders' services similarly to Home Guards, stationing them at intersections to deter traffic violations such as signal jumping. He also highlighted the potential for their involvement in drunk-driving checkpoints, given the recent surge in such cases across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda commissionerates.

The Chief Minister has directed officials to finalize a distinct dress code for the transgender volunteers and establish a salary equivalent to that of Home Guards. He urged for a swift implementation of the program, suggesting an initial experimental phase. The Chief Minister also requested officials to implement the decision on an experimental basis at the earliest.

This initiative follows a September decision to recruit transgenders for traffic management. Officials are currently collecting information from transgenders interested in volunteering and plan to provide them with a week to 10 days of traffic management training.

The move is expected to provide transgenders with a source of income and enhance their social standing, according to officials. It comes amidst increasing traffic congestion in Greater Hyderabad attributed to the rising number of vehicles.

(Source- IANS)