Telangana approves political empowerment for transgender persons through local body co-opted membership
Hyderabad: The Telangana Government approved a proposal to provide transgender persons an opportunity to serve as co-opted members in local bodies. The decision aims to strengthen Telangana transgender political empowerment and expand their role in governance.
Scheduled Castes Development, Tribal Welfare, Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens and Transgender Persons Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar announced the decision at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat on Saturday.
He said the State Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, approved the process to include transgender persons as co-opted members in local institutions.
The minister described the move as a milestone in political empowerment and social justice. According to him, the decision reflected constitutional values and the government’s commitment to dignity, representation and equal opportunities.
Telangana transgender political empowerment expands representation
Around 25 members of the transgender community met the minister at the Secretariat. The delegation included trans women rights activists, trans men rights activists, Hijra community leaders, transgender persons and representatives of several transgender organisations.
They thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for the decision. In addition, they felicitated Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar with a shawl in recognition of the government’s commitment to their welfare and empowerment.
The minister said the government wanted to move beyond welfare programmes. Instead, it planned to make transgender persons active participants in governance.
He said their inclusion as co-opted members would ensure representation in the development of villages, mandals and urban local bodies.
Telangana transgender political empowerment builds on welfare initiatives
Adluri Laxman Kumar said the government had already launched several programmes for the economic and social empowerment of transgender persons. These included skill development in driving, cooking and drone operations.
Additionally, the government created employment opportunities at Hyderabad Metro stations. It also engaged members of the community in traffic management to provide dignified livelihoods.
The minister said political representation marked another important step. Moreover, it would give transgender persons a meaningful role in public administration and decision-making. He added that the initiative could inspire similar measures in other states.
Representatives of the transgender community welcomed the decision. They said it had given them dignity, confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. Finally, they thanked the Chief Minister and the minister for the initiative. They also pledged to contribute responsibly to society and local governance.