### Operation Smile: Workshop Organized on Protection of Transgender Rights
Connecting the transgender community to the mainstream is a collective responsibility – ASP Harsh Ratnu
Udaipur,Under the directives of Additional Director General of Police, Civil Rights & Anti Human Trafficking (AHT), Rajasthan, Jaipur, and in compliance with the state-wide Operation Smile initiative, a range-level workshop for the transgender community was organized on Thursday at Vidya Bhawan Auditorium, Fatehpura, Udaipur. The event was held under the guidance of Inspector General of Police Rajesh Meena, Udaipur Range, and jointly hosted by the Udaipur Range Police and UNICEF Rajasthan.
The objective of the workshop was to sensitize designated police officers at the station level regarding grievance redressal for transgender individuals and to educate the community about their legal rights. While presiding over the session, Additional Superintendent of Police Harsh Ratnu emphasized that integrating the transgender community into mainstream society is the responsibility of every citizen. He addressed the nodal officers of designated police stations and representatives of the transgender community from the division, sharing the efforts made by the police department to safeguard their rights.
ASP Ratnu also instructed the police nodal officers to thoroughly study the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and ensure its proper implementation at the police station level. He underlined the importance of sensitivity and non-discrimination while dealing with any marginalized group.
Insights from Experts and Officials
Pushpa Mai, Director of Nai Bhaur Sansthan and lead trainer for the session, provided detailed insights into the rules and conduct expected of police officials under the 2019 Transgender Rights Act. She elaborated on state government initiatives for the upliftment of the transgender community, emphasizing efforts to provide equal facilities, recognition, health care, and safe environments.
ASP Mukesh Sankhla from Chittorgarh elaborated on provisions under the POCSO Act and urged police personnel working with the transgender community to act in accordance with the law. He also encouraged community members to approach nearby police stations or officials without hesitation, ensuring their cases would be prioritized.
A Call for Human-Centric Policing
DySP Chetna Bhathi described the transgender community as a representation of “Ardhanarishwar” and called for human-centric and compassionate policing. She said the community holds a unique place in society and that working sensitively towards their protection earns divine blessings.
Amit Bhatt, Advisor with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, explained the online registration process for transgender individuals and highlighted several schemes for them including pensions, scholarships, the Smile Scheme, Garima Greh, the Transgender Welfare Board, and psychological support services.
Mental Health and Support Services
Dr. Jitendra Jeengar, Psychiatrist at Geetanjali Medical College, emphasized mental health as a fundamental need across all genders and communities. He spoke about increasing cases of depression and shared strategies for managing mental health through proper nutrition and lifestyle. He also introduced helpline number 14416 for mental health support.
UNICEF Divisional Advisor Sindhu Binujeet highlighted the objectives of the workshop, urging police officials to handle all genders with empathy at the Women Help Desks and police stations. She noted that such programs are regularly organized to bridge the gap between the police and the transgender community.
Active Participation and Discussions
The event included the screening of gender equality videos and presentations. An open discussion was held where participants shared challenges they face related to transgender issues. Attendees included Additional SP Banwari Lal (Salumber), Additional SP Balveer Singh (Pratapgarh), nodal officers from across the range, members of the transgender community, representatives from Childline, and officers from the office of IG Police.
Over 200 participants were present. The program was effectively anchored by Kuldeep Verma, while representatives from the Policing for Care initiative including Dilip Salvi and Sunil Vyas also participated actively.
This workshop marked a progressive step in promoting inclusive policing and ensuring the rights and dignity of the transgender community are protected and respected.
साभार :
© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.