In a significant step towards inclusive and rights-based policing, the Lucknow Police Commissionerate conducted a dedicated one-day training programme focused on transgender rights. The event, held on Tuesday at the Reserve Police Lines, aimed to sensitise police personnel about the legal framework and welfare provisions for the transgender community.
Building Capacity for Sensitive Policing
The special awareness and capacity-building programme was centred on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and its corresponding Rules of 2020. The primary objective was to educate officers on rights-based and sensitive approaches when engaging with transgender individuals. The session saw participation from approximately 150 women police trainees, highlighting the force's commitment to integrating gender sensitivity into its core operations.
The programme was led by senior police officials, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Anil Kumar Yadav and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Women Crime) Saumya Pandey. Their involvement underscored the administrative priority being given to this crucial aspect of modern law enforcement.
Collaborative Effort with Experts
This training initiative was not conducted in isolation. It was organised in collaboration with the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD), which operates under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The on-ground implementation was managed by the Samanta Ka Samman Trust based in Dholpur.
The key resource person for the day was Devika Devendra S Mangalamukhi, who is both the founder-president of the trust and an executive member-adviser of the Uttar Pradesh Transgender Welfare Board. Her expertise provided the trainees with authoritative insights into the practical application of the law.
Key Topics Covered in the Training
During the session, Mangalamukhi covered several critical areas to equip the officers with necessary knowledge. The comprehensive curriculum included:
- A detailed explanation of the legal rights guaranteed to transgender persons under the Act.
- The step-by-step process for obtaining an identity certificate, a crucial document for the community.
- Provisions related to the prohibition of discrimination in various spheres such as education, employment, and healthcare.
- An overview of welfare schemes and benefits available for transgender individuals.
- A clear understanding of the penal clauses for offences against transgender persons.
A central theme throughout the discussion was the urgent need to build trust between the police force and the transgender community. The training emphasised that sensitive and informed policing is fundamental to ensuring the community feels safe and protected, thereby encouraging them to report crimes without fear of prejudice or mistreatment.
Towards a More Inclusive Future
This programme marks a proactive move by the Lucknow Police to align its practices with progressive legislation. By focusing on capacity building, especially among women police trainees, the department is investing in a future where law enforcement is seen as a protector of rights for all citizens, regardless of gender identity.
Such initiatives are vital for translating the promises of the Transgender Persons Act from legal text into lived reality. They represent a crucial shift towards empathy and understanding, paving the way for a more just and equitable society where every individual's dignity is upheld by those sworn to serve and protect.
