West Bengal government to provide jobs to families of political violence victims
The BJP government will offer Group D posts to one eligible dependent of those killed in political violence since 2001, according to The Indian Express.
The West Bengal government has introduced a scheme to offer Group D employment to one eligible family member of individuals killed in political violence in the state since January 1, 2001, according to a report by The Indian Express. A notification from the state Home and Hill Affairs Department issued on October 30 stated that additional Group D posts will be created as a one-time exception for these victims.
State Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal signed the notification, which noted that the government aims to reduce economic hardship for families who lost their sole breadwinners. The scheme intends to provide rehabilitative support to indigent families through government employment.
Eligible dependents include a spouse, son, daughter, third-gender child, or dependent unmarried siblings of the deceased. Applicants must be at least 18 years old by January 1, 2026, and must not exceed the maximum age limit for Group D recruitment at the time of application.
A District Level Screening Committee, led by the District Magistrate, will review applications within 90 days. To qualify, a committee must certify the death resulted from political violence based on a First Information Report (FIR), chargesheet, and court charges.
The notification clarified that applying does not guarantee an appointment, as selection depends on committee recommendations, post availability, medical examinations, and police verification. No extra benefits will be given if a family member has already received a compassionate appointment for the same incident.
A State Level Committee, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, will handle appeals. The scheme becomes effective from the date of its publication in the official gazette.