Delhi CM gives job letters to 1984 victims’ kin

New Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, along with Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, handed out government job appointment letters to 19 family members of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims on Tuesday. This event in Delhi is part of a bigger plan to provide jobs to 125 families affected by the riots.

CM Rekha Gupta said the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is committed to delivering justice by offering these jobs. Minister Sirsa, a long-time advocate for the victims, called the occasion historic and criticized previous governments for not acting sooner. He also mentioned that over 600 job appointments are still pending and the process to distribute them has begun.

Reactions among recipients were mixed. Jaswinder Singh said he felt the support came late, but he still appreciated the government’s efforts. Another recipient, Manjeet Singh, expressed happiness and gratitude, saying the government truly cares. However, some felt the gesture was too late to bring joy.

Atma Singh, chairman of the 1984 Genocide Victims Committee, raised concerns that many recipients are elderly, around 60 years old. He requested that jobs be given to younger family members instead, but the government has yet to agree.

This initiative follows a similar one by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who handed out job letters to 47 survivors in November 2024. The 1984 riots caused great suffering, and these steps aim to provide support and justice to the affected families. CM Gupta also announced plans to offer pensions to those who resisted the Emergency, further helping those who faced past injustices.