Meet Amir Mahto, First Transgender Community Health Officer In Jharkhand

In a historic moment, Jharkhand has appointed the first transgender community health officer. The recently appointed CHO is Amir Mahto from West Singhbhum district. On August 29, Chief Minister Hemant Soren handed over the appointment letter to Mahto who was pleased to finally achieve her mother's dream. With this, Jharkhand has become one of the few states in India, including Bihar, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, to appoint a transgender in the governmental departments. 

Mahto finished her nursing training in Sambalpur village where she was one of the 365 nurses to be appointed to the National Health Mission. It was Mahto's mother's dream that Mahto became a nurse. However, due to financial constraints, Manhto couldn't pursue her career. 

Mahto's dream come true

Speaking to the media, visibly elated Mahto said, "My mother's dream has come true. I have no complaints to God. I am really happy and never thought I would be appointed as a community health officer in Jharkhand. I thank the Chief Minister for taking such an initiative."

Mahto's father is a farmer but, Mahto said, “They encouraged me to study. I pursued an MSc in Nursing from Sambalpur University in Odisha."

Mahto also said, “I feel proud to have secured a job to live life with dignity. Transgenders still struggle a lot in society and there is a need to raise more awareness towards the third gender.” 

Chief Minister, Hemant Soren said, “All the newly appointed CHOs will work as an integral part of the state govt from today. They will have to play dual roles of doctor and nurse at remote locations in Jharkhand. They have big responsibilities to shoulder."

Reserved seats for transgenders in Jharkhand cabinet

This is not the only initiative that Jharkhand has taken to make society inclusive and provide work and respect to transgenders. In September 2023, the Jharkhand cabinet cleared the provision of providing reserved seats for transgender. The reservation will be made under OBC for educational and government appointments. 

Allowance of making PAN cards for transgender

India is slowly becoming inclusive of transgenders. Recently, the centre said to the Supreme Court that a “certificate of identity” issued by a District Manager (DM) under Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 will be considered valid proof for getting a PAN card.