New Delhi, December 12, 2025: In a significant step towards long-awaited justice for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Delhi Government on Thursday issued government appointment letters to 36 dependants of riot-affected families. The appointment letters were distributed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a ceremony held at the Delhi Secretariat, marking what the government described as a new beginning for families who have waited decades for recognition and dignity.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the appointments were not merely a means of employment but a formal acknowledgment of the dignity, rights, and identity of families who have endured pain and neglect for over forty years. She said the initiative reflects the Delhi Government’s commitment to justice, sensitivity, and accountability towards the victims of one of the darkest chapters in India’s history.
The ceremony was marked by emotional moments as several beneficiaries, including many women, were visibly moved while receiving their appointment letters. Some beneficiaries approached the Chief Minister with tears in their eyes to express gratitude, while a few embraced her, overwhelmed by emotion. The Chief Minister assured the families that the government would continue to stand with them at every step.
As the programme progressed, the beneficiaries collectively switched on the flashlights of their mobile phones inside the hall as a gesture of thanks. The illuminated hall became a powerful symbol of renewed hope and confidence for families who, according to officials, had long felt forgotten by the system. The moment underscored the emotional significance of the government’s decision for the affected families.
The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, senior government officials, and members of riot-affected families. Representatives of the Sikh community also felicitated the Chief Minister for the recent commemoration of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, which was organised in Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Rekha Gupta said the 1984 riots remain an indelible scar on the nation’s conscience. She acknowledged that no compensation or government support could ever truly compensate for the loss of loved ones suffered by the victims. However, she said successive efforts have been made in recent years to move closer to justice. The Chief Minister noted that after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, decisive steps were taken at the national level, including the formation of a Special Investigation Team, to accelerate the pursuit of justice for riot victims.
She said the Delhi Government, carrying forward that resolve, has worked to ensure that affected families are provided with a dignified life. According to the Chief Minister, the appointment letters symbolise justice achieved after four decades of struggle and waiting. She alleged that previous governments had made repeated promises but failed to deliver meaningful relief or lasting change to the families affected by the riots.
The Chief Minister further said that after assuming office, the Delhi Government undertook a systematic identification of eligible dependants and ensured that the appointment process was transparent and time-bound. She noted that a few weeks earlier, 19 dependants had received appointment letters, and with the issuance of 36 more letters on Thursday, the government has continued to expand support for riot-affected families. The newly appointed candidates have been posted to Multi-Tasking Staff positions across various government departments.
Congratulating the appointees, Rekha Gupta urged them to perform their duties with honesty, discipline, and dedication. She encouraged them to actively contribute to the vision of a developed Delhi and assured them of the government’s continued support.
Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that families affected by the 1984 riots have endured decades of hardship in their quest for justice, security, and respect. He said many families fought prolonged legal and social battles while carrying the lifelong trauma of losing loved ones. The appointments announced on Thursday, he said, serve as a genuine balm on wounds that had remained unhealed for years.
Sirsa added that considering the advanced age of many parents who were direct victims of the riots, the Delhi Government has allowed employment to be offered to their children instead. He said that for the first time in the country, special relaxations in age and educational qualifications have been granted to prioritise these families. According to him, the initiative transcends political considerations and reflects a commitment to compassion, service, and justice, aimed at restoring the self-respect of families who have suffered in silence for decades.
