In a significant move to support the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, Delhi LG V.K. Saxena has eased employment barriers by relaxing age limits and qualifications for 88 applicants. This marks a major step in fulfilling the promise of justice and rehabilitation for affected families.
BT PC Bureau
Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena has approved full relaxations in educational qualifications and age limits (up to 55 years) for 88 victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots seeking employment as Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) in government service.
This decision follows repeated appeals from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, public representatives, and victims’ groups, who recently met with the LG to emphasize the need for these measures.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sanctioned a rehabilitation package on January 16, 2006, to support the victims of the 1984 riots, including provisions for government jobs. During a special drive, the Revenue Department received 72 applications, leading to the appointment of 22 candidates with age relaxations granted by the then-LG.
In October 2024, LG Saxena extended full relaxations in educational qualifications for the remaining 50 applicants out of the original 72. He also directed the Revenue Department to process cases for granting employment to children of victims who had surpassed the age limit for jobs.
Following these directives, the Revenue Department organized special camps from November 28 to November 30, 2024, and issued public notices in leading newspapers inviting applications from riot-affected families. This initiative garnered 199 applications, out of which 89 candidates were deemed eligible. However, all were above the age limit, and some lacked the required educational qualifications.
The LG’s approval clears the way for the appointment of 88 applicants, resolving significant obstacles to their employment.
While granting his approval, Saxena highlighted the tragic impact of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, describing them as a “blot on Indian democratic traditions” where gross violations of human rights devastated families, including the loss of sole breadwinners. He reiterated the importance of ensuring justice and rehabilitation for the affected community.
This step is expected to provide much-needed relief and a pathway toward healing for the victims and their families
