Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has granted approval for the relaxation of educational qualifications for the recruitment of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. This move, which has been long coming due to bureaucratic delays, aims to expand employment opportunities for those affected by the tragic events of four decades ago.
Addressing Long-Standing Suffering
Acknowledging the profound suffering endured by the victims of the 1984 riots, Saxena has instructed relevant departments to consider offering employment to the children of deceased or elderly applicants on humanitarian grounds. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial struggles faced by families impacted by the violence that shook the community. Political analysts suggest that this decision may also serve the BJP’s interests as they seek to engage Sikh voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Delhi.
“The 1984 Sikh Riots were a blot on Indian democratic traditions. Terrible atrocities were committed upon a particular minority community, violating all standards of human rights,” Saxena remarked. He emphasized the historical significance of the issue, stating, “The riots had affected many families, taking lives of their single breadwinners. I understand the historical context of this issue and the government’s commitment to provide relief and rehabilitation to those affected.”
While acknowledging that no amount of relief could fully compensate for the trauma and loss endured by victims’ families, he expressed the necessity for a compassionate approach to ensure their economic stability.
Relaxation of Employment Qualifications
In his directive, Saxena specifically stated, “Therefore, taking an empathetic view and considering the plight of the victims… I hereby direct as under towards relief to the families of the victims of anti-Sikh Riots, 1984, being a special category of persons which include full relaxation in required education qualification to the post of MTS to remaining applicants.” This also includes provisions for employment opportunities for children of those applicants who have either surpassed the age for employment or passed away, despite previously granted age relaxations.
The decision to relax qualifications follows a thorough review of cases which revealed that numerous applicants had been denied employment despite meeting the established criteria. Historically, the government had nominated 564 individuals for compassionate appointments, with only 133 securing positions during the 1990s.
While subsequent years saw the granting of age relaxations, the obstacle of qualification requirements remained for many affected individuals.
Response from the Community and Administration
According to officials at Raj Niwas, various stakeholders, including public representatives, members of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and delegations of victims, had approached the Lieutenant Governor, urging the consideration of all eligible applicants, including those who may have aged out or passed away.
In response to these appeals, Saxena instructed relevant departments to examine the issue with empathy and propose a feasible solution. The Revenue Department suggested the relaxation of educational qualifications, along with allowing family members of original applicants to apply for MTS posts.
However, the Chief Secretary of Delhi initially recommended that the focus be solely on relaxing educational qualifications. The Lieutenant Governor, recognizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, sent the proposal back for further evaluation by the Services Department.
Following a thorough examination, the Services Department presented a file proposing a one-time relaxation in educational qualifications as a special measure to provide relief to victims of the 1984 riots.
With Saxena’s approval, the minimum educational requirement for the MTS post has now been lowered from 10th grade to 8th grade, thereby increasing the pool of eligible candidates significantly. This step not only acknowledges the victims’ suffering but also paves the way for a more inclusive recruitment process, helping to address the enduring impact of the 1984 riots on affected families.
