The Delhi government has taken a significant step toward addressing the long-standing grievances of families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots by approving a new employment assistance policy. This landmark decision will provide government jobs to the dependents of those who lost their lives during one of the darkest chapters in India's history.
Policy Details and Eligibility Criteria
Under the newly approved policy, which was announced on November 14, 2025, dependents of victims who are now above 50 years of age and unable to take up employment will have the option to nominate a member of the next generation for a government job. The eligible nominees include sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, or sons-in-law of the original victims.
The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who described the move as a concrete step toward resolving employment assistance cases that have remained pending since the initial Cabinet decision of 2007. The policy specifically addresses cases where the original victims or their immediate dependents have aged beyond employment capacity.
Historical Context and Significance
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain one of the most tragic events in India's modern history, following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The violence resulted in the deaths of thousands of Sikh citizens across the country, with Delhi being among the worst-affected regions.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that this policy "marks a concrete step toward expediting long-pending cases of employment assistance that remained unresolved since the Cabinet decision of 2007." The statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) highlighted the government's commitment to providing meaningful relief to families who have waited for decades for comprehensive compensation.
Implementation and Expected Impact
The policy represents a significant expansion of the compassionate grounds employment scheme, acknowledging that many original victims have now reached an age where they cannot practically utilize employment opportunities. By allowing the nomination of the next generation, the government ensures that the benefits reach families who continue to suffer the economic consequences of the tragedy.
The key features of the policy include:
- Employment opportunities on compassionate grounds
- Extension of benefits to the next generation of victims' families
- Resolution of cases pending since 2007
- Flexible nomination options including children and in-laws
This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts by successive governments to address the grievances of riot victims and their families. The implementation of this policy is expected to bring closure to many families who have been seeking comprehensive rehabilitation measures beyond financial compensation.
The Delhi government's move has been widely welcomed by community leaders and social activists who have long advocated for more substantial support measures for the victims' families. The policy not only addresses immediate employment needs but also acknowledges the intergenerational impact of the tragedy.
