Breaking stereotypes, MP’s DSJDW chief appoints transgender woman as personal secretary

Sanjana Singh, a transgender woman, has been appointed the personal secretary (PS) to Krishna Gopal Tiwari, Director, Department of Social Justice and Disabled Welfare (DSJDW), Madhya Pradesh government. With this feat, Sanjana, known for proactively participating in social events in the city, has become the first transgender in the state to get a government job.

The 36-year-old transgender was appointed on March 1 by Tiwari. She has also been made a legal volunteer of the District Legal Authority, and a member of the Lok Adalat, where she will hear the pending cases along with the judge. Sanjana, who hails from the city’s Ashoka Garden area, had to quit studies after Class XII, but lately as sources told ANI she has resumed her studies.

Talking to ANI, Sanjana said: “Tiwari Ji has taken a good step. In the coming days, the people of our community will get better opportunities. If our community is given enough opportunities, we can do a lot for the society.” “This is a small change. In the future, there will be bigger changes,” she said while asking for reservation for the transgender community in the government jobs.

“If the reservation can be provided to others, then why not to us,” she asked, adding that there was a need to spread awareness in the society about transgender. “If the society does not accept us, we will not be able to break our barriers,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies.)