Anantapur Police Launch ‘Chethana’ for Transgender Persons’ Welfare
A meeting with transgender persons from across Anantapur district was held at the Police Conference Hall, where the SP outlined the objectives of the initiative.
ANANTAPUR: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur superintendent of police P. Jagadeesh on Saturday launched 'Chethana', a programme aimed at empowering transgender persons through awareness, skill development, employment opportunities and social inclusion.
The initiative comes amid reports of disputes, public complaints and incidents involving forcible collection of money by some transgender persons at roadsides, traffic junctions and commercial establishments. The programme seeks to address these issues by promoting sustainable livelihoods and integrating the transgender community into the social mainstream.
A meeting with transgender persons from across Anantapur district was held at the Police Conference Hall, where the SP outlined the objectives of the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Jagadeesh said the primary objective of Chethana was to recognise the social and psychological challenges faced by transgender persons and help them lead lives of dignity. He said every individual has the right to live with self-respect and equal opportunities.
As part of the programme, the police will coordinate with government departments, voluntary organisations and NGOs to facilitate self-employment, private-sector job opportunities and skill development programmes, including training in computer applications, tailoring, handicrafts and other employment-oriented trades.
The initiative also envisages counselling services, legal assistance and prompt police support to address grievances and protect transgender persons from harassment. Public awareness programmes will be organised in educational institutions and business establishments to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against the transgender community.
The SP appealed to transgender persons to refrain from forcibly collecting money, snatching mobile phones or engaging in behaviour that causes inconvenience to the public. He warned that physical assaults, intimidation and other unlawful activities would invite strict legal action.
Jagadeesh also urged members of the transgender community to make use of government welfare schemes and the opportunities provided under Chethana to achieve financial independence and lead respectable lives.
Additional SPs M. Nagabhushanam and S. Mahaboob Basha, Circle Inspectors Dharani Kishore, Kranthi Kumar, Venkateswarlu, Pullaiah, Kaulutlaiah and Vamsi Krishna, among others, attended the programme.
