Former Delhi Legislator Joins Punjab Human Rights Body
In a significant development, former Delhi MLA Jitender Singh Shunty has been appointed as a member of the Punjab Human Rights Commission. The appointment, made on Thursday, marks a new chapter for the social worker-turned-politician who has dedicated his life to humanitarian causes.
Jitender Singh Shunty brings to the position over 25 years of experience in social service, particularly known for his extraordinary work in performing last rites for unclaimed bodies. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by the Aam Aadmi Party, which currently governs Punjab.
Political Journey and Background
Shunty's political career has seen several transitions. He previously served as a Member of Legislative Assembly from Shahadra in Delhi representing the Bharatiya Janata Party. However, in a significant political shift in December 2024, he joined the Aam Aadmi Party in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, just ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.
Despite his party switch, Shunty lost the 2025 Assembly elections to BJP candidate Sanjay Goyal. His appointment to the Punjab Human Rights Commission is being viewed by political observers as a way for the AAP to accommodate him in Punjab, the only state where the party currently holds power.
The AAP has faced criticism for placing several of its Delhi-based leaders in positions within Punjab. However, Shunty's appointment carries additional significance given his Sikh background and widespread respect for his social work.
Remarkable Humanitarian Work
Jitender Singh Shunty is the founder of the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Sewa Dal and has gained national recognition for his humanitarian efforts. He has performed the last rites of more than 70,000 unclaimed bodies with dignity and compassion, including over 4,200 victims of Covid-19 during the pandemic.
His organization provides comprehensive funeral services, including corpse vans, refrigerated mobile morgues, cremation facilities, and immersion of ashes in the Ganga for abandoned and underprivileged individuals. This work has established him as a pioneer in protecting what he calls the "human rights of the dead" - a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the Right to Life.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Shunty was honored with the Padma Shri award by the President of India in 2021. His dedication to social causes extends beyond funeral services - he has donated blood more than a hundred times and his work has been featured in the acclaimed documentary "Angels for the Dead."
Significance of the Appointment
The Punjab government, in its official statement, highlighted Shunty's humanitarian credentials, emphasizing his work in providing dignified last rites to thousands of unclaimed bodies. His appointment sends a strong message about the importance of social work and human rights protection.
As a Sikh member appointed to a key position in Punjab, Shunty's selection also carries communal significance in a state with a substantial Sikh population. The AAP appears to be leveraging his social work background and community identity to strengthen its position in Punjab.
The appointment comes at a time when human rights protection remains a critical issue across India. Shunty's unique perspective on human rights, particularly his focus on the dignity of the deceased, is expected to bring a fresh dimension to the Punjab Human Rights Commission's work.
With his extensive experience in grassroots social work and recognition at the highest levels, Jitender Singh Shunty is poised to make significant contributions to the protection and promotion of human rights in Punjab through his new role.
