Delhi CM Rekha Gupta hands out government jobs to 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims’ families. While some express gratitude, others highlight the delayed justice. The initiative aims to provide closure and support to long-ignored survivors and families.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, handed over government job appointment letters to the family members of victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The ceremony, held in the capital on Tuesday, saw 19 individuals receive jobs, marking a significant milestone in the long-overdue efforts to address the trauma endured by riot-affected families.
The initiative, part of a broader government program, aims to provide employment to 125 individuals affected by the riots. Chief Minister Gupta emphasized the government’s commitment to justice and healing. “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Delhi government has issued appointment letters to 125 individuals from families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. We are committed to delivering justice to these families,” she stated.
Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a long-standing advocate for riot victims, reinforced the message, saying, “Today, our government has given jobs to the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. It is historic. Congress failed to do justice during its tenure. Prime Minister Modi had promised to support these families, and we are fulfilling that promise. Over 600 jobs are still pending, and we have begun the process of distributing them.”
However, the emotional response from recipients varied. While some expressed gratitude, others highlighted the delay in receiving justice. Jaswinder Singh, aged 46, said, “I am not truly happy. I am receiving this job letter at the age of 46. It’s too late to celebrate. Still, I appreciate the government’s support.”
Manjeet Singh expressed more optimistic sentiments: “I am very happy. This government is thinking about us. It means a lot.”
Yet, a few recipients were more somber. One remarked, “To be honest, I don’t feel any happiness. It’s too late for joy.”
Atma Singh, chairman of the 1984 Genocide Victims Committee, voiced concerns over the age of many recipients. “Previous governments ignored us. I filed a petition and won. Earlier, 22 people received jobs. Today, 19 more were appointed. But many of them are 60 years old. We’ve requested that jobs be given to their sons or grandsons instead, but the government has not agreed. We have asked the Delhi CM to reconsider this.”
This effort follows a similar initiative by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in November 2024, during which 47 survivors were given job appointments.
The 1984 anti-Sikh riots erupted following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, leading to the deaths of thousands and deeply scarring the nation’s conscience. Decades later, families are still seeking closure.
In a related announcement, CM Gupta declared that the Delhi government would begin offering pensions to those who resisted the Emergency, further demonstrating its intent to address past injustices and recognize historical sacrifices.
