The transgender staff of India\'s newest metro service
Category: Top News Date added: 02:34 PM 23-May-2017 Added By: ADMIN
This is the first time India's government has earmarked roles for transgender men and women - and 23 are set to start.
BBC The southern Indian state of Kerala has hired 23 transgender women to work for the metro service in the city of Cochin, an initiative aimed at fighting discrimination.
BBC This marks the first time an Indian government agency has allotted roles for members of the transgender community.
BBC The new recruits are currently undergoing training for their new roles and are being familiarised with the trains and stations.
BBC They say that they are excited about the opportunity and hope it ends discrimination against them.
BBC Metro officials told Indian reporters that the new employees would work as ticket agents and cleaning staff.
BBC They say they hope the move will pave the way for other firms to begin employing members of the transgender community.
BBC Kerala is the first Indian state to enact a policy aimed at ending discrimination towards transgenders, who are generally excluded from mainstream employment.
BBC The metro service is ready to run, but still waiting for an official inauguration date. These women say they are eagerly awaiting the day.
