Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has made a revolutionary announcement towards the inclusive development of the state. The Chief Minister has proposed to nominate at least one transgender person as ‘co-option’ member (corporator) in every municipal corporation in the upcoming municipal elections. The objective of this initiative is to give direct participation to the most neglected section of the society in mainstream politics and legislative processes, so that they can raise their problems in the House themselves.
Addressing his cabinet colleagues and administration from the stage of a public event in the capital Hyderabad, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said, ‘The problems of the transgender community are often discussed by others, but now the time has come that they themselves talk about their rights and challenges.’ He clarified that on the same lines as minority communities are nominated as ‘co-option’ members for representation in district councils and municipalities, now transgenders will also be given this right.
Government views transgender community with respect- Reddy
Sharing the humanitarian perspective behind this decision, the Chief Minister said, ‘This is not just a political post, but an attempt to make the transgender community realize that the government views them with respect and humanity. They are also an integral part of this society and should get equal opportunities as men and women. This step will not only boost the morale of this community, but by ensuring their active role in the local administration, the possibilities of improving their standard of living will also increase.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also indicated that he would put this proposal up for formal discussion in the upcoming cabinet meeting. If the Cabinet gives its consent to this, Telangana will become one of the few states in India where the transgender community will get this level of legislative representation in local body governance.
Also read: ‘India’s GenZ is full of creativity’, PM Modi said to the youth – Your strength will become the strength of the country.
