A New Beginning for the 1984 Riot-Affected Families: 36 Dependants Receive Government Appointments

This is not merely employment; it is the restoration of dignity for the affected families: CM Rekha Gupta

Tears welled up in the eyes of the beneficiaries; mobile flashlights were switched on to express gratitude

This decision is a true balm on the deep wounds of the 1984 riot-affected families: Cabinet Minister Sirsa*

New Delhi, December 2025 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta today distributed government appointment letters to 36 dependants of families affected by the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, at the Delhi Secretariat. The Chief Minister said that these are not merely jobs, but a formal recognition of the dignity, rights, and identity of thousands of families who have been waiting for justice and respect for four decades. This step towards justice for the victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots is a testament to the Delhi Government’s sensitivity and accountability.

The programme was filled with emotion. Many women were among the recipients, and several of them could not hold back their tears as they received their appointment letters. Some approached the Chief Minister with moist eyes to thank her, and a few even embraced her out of deep emotion. The Chief Minister consoled them and assured them that the Delhi Government stands with the affected families at every step.

As the appointment ceremony progressed, the families expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister in a deeply emotional manner. They switched on the flashlights of their mobile phones simultaneously. The glowing lights across the hall became a symbol of new hope and brightness entering their lives. The scene reflected how this humane decision by the government has restored the respect and confidence they had long lost.

The occasion was attended by Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior officials, and a large number of members from riot-affected families. During the programme, representatives of the Sikh community also extended a special honour to the Chief Minister for the grand commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji recently held in Delhi.

The Chief Minister said that the 1984 riots remain a dark chapter in India’s history that can never be forgotten. For those who lost their loved ones during the tragedy, no compensation can ever erase their pain. She noted that after coming to power at the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accelerated efforts to secure justice for the victims and to provide relief to the affected families. It was the Prime Minister who constituted the SIT, taking a decisive step towards delivering justice.

The Chief Minister said that carrying forward his resolve, the Delhi Government has ensured that the affected families receive a dignified life. She said that these appointment letters represent not just employment, but justice earned after forty long years of struggle and waiting. She added that previous governments made grand promises but failed to take meaningful steps to bring real change to the lives of the riot-affected families.

The Chief Minister further stated that after assuming office, the Delhi Government not only identified eligible dependants but also ensured a transparent and expedited process for appointments. A few weeks ago, 19 candidates received appointment letters, and today, another 36 dependants have been appointed to MTS posts across various government departments. Wishing the newly appointed employees the very best, the Chief Minister urged them to discharge their duties with integrity and dedication, and to actively contribute to building a ‘Viksit Delhi’.

Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that the 1984 riot-affected families have endured a decades-long struggle for respect, security, and justice. He said these families have fought their battles from the courts to the streets, and the pain of losing their loved ones has remained with them throughout their lives. The appointment letters given today serve as a genuine balm to the deep wounds the families have silently borne for years.

He shared that owing to the advanced age of many victim-parents, the Delhi Government has offered the option of providing jobs to their children instead. For the first time in the country’s history, a government has granted special concessions in both age and educational qualifications to prioritise these families. He said this initiative rises above politics, placing service, compassion, and justice at the forefront. This decision represents not just the provision of employment, but a commitment to restoring the self-respect of families who have endured their pain quietly for decades.