In November 2019, the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) in Malkangiri, Odisha, made headlines by taking a bold and inclusive step appointing five transgender individuals as security guards. Durga, Sonali, Tushar, Kailash, and Hial now serve in the female, gynecology, and pediatrics wards, marking a progressive move toward equality and dignity in employment.
This initiative is not just about filling vacancies; it’s about rewriting a narrative. For decades, members of the transgender community have faced systemic exclusion in education, healthcare, and especially employment. Often relegated to the margins of society, they have had limited opportunities to live with financial independence or social respect. By giving these five individuals formal jobs, the Malkangiri district administration has shown that inclusion is not only possible but necessary.
The appointments were made under the Nirmal Scheme of 2018, a state-backed initiative aimed at upgrading facilities in Odisha’s government hospitals while also addressing social inequities. As part of the program, transgender individuals were given the chance to apply for jobs in public healthcare institutions. Before joining the hospital, the five new recruits underwent 15 days of intensive training with the Malkangiri police, equipping them with the discipline and skills needed for the security role.
The symbolism here runs deep. The wards they protect women’s health, pediatrics, and gynecology are among the most vulnerable spaces in any hospital. Their presence sends a powerful message: security and care come in many forms, and dignity is a universal right. Importantly, the guards also receive a monthly salary, ensuring economic stability and recognition of their labour, just like any other professional.
Community members and rights activists have welcomed the initiative, noting how such opportunities can change perceptions at the grassroots level. By interacting daily with patients, doctors, and hospital staff, Durga, Sonali, Tushar, Kailash, and Hial are not only safeguarding the hospital but also challenging stereotypes, breaking barriers, and serving as role models for others in the transgender community.
This move reflects a growing awareness in India that inclusion cannot remain a slogan it must be embedded in policies and everyday practices. The story of the Malkangiri hospital guards is a reminder that real change often begins with small, local steps that ripple outward, inspiring others to follow suit.
A Call for Wider Change
The Malkangiri model should not remain an exception it must become the norm. Across India, government institutions, private companies, and healthcare systems can create similar opportunities to ensure that transgender individuals are recognized not for their gender identity, but for their skills, commitment, and resilience. Employment is more than a paycheck; it is a path to dignity, self-respect, and social acceptance.
As these five guards stand watch over the hospital wards, they also stand as living proof that progress is possible. Their story challenges us to ask: how can each of us whether as policymakers, employers, or citizens open more doors for those who have been historically excluded?
Inclusion is not charity. It is justice. And it is time for every district, every institution, and every workplace to embrace it.
