WB Govt to Offer Government Jobs to Families of Those Killed in Political Violence

The West Bengal government has announced a scheme to provide Group D government jobs to one eligible family member of people killed in incidents of political violence in the state since January 1, 2001. According to a notification issued on October 30, the appointments will be made as a one-time exception to the existing recruitment process, with additional posts created if necessary.

The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to families that have lost their breadwinners to political violence. The government said it was concerned about the extraordinary hardships faced by such families. Under the scheme, families with a monthly income exceeding Rs 50,000 will not be eligible. Applications will also be rejected if any family member is employed in regular government service or pays income tax.

Only one dependent of the deceased will be considered. Eligible applicants include the victim's spouse, son, daughter or third-gender child. In cases where the deceased was unmarried, a dependent brother or sister may apply, provided the parents and all siblings were dependent on the victim.

Applicants must be Indian citizens and residents of West Bengal, have passed at least Class 8 and meet the prescribed age criteria. They must have attained 18 years by January 1, 2026, and remain within the applicable upper age limit. Relaxations in educational qualifications and age may be considered in deserving cases.

A district-level screening committee headed by the district magistrate will scrutinise applications and verify claims through FIRs, chargesheets and court records. The superintendent of police, or the deputy commissioner of police in Kolkata, will also be a member.

Applications must be submitted to the district magistrate concerned with supporting documents. The committee will dispose of applications within 90 days, while aggrieved applicants can appeal within 30 days.

The notification clarified that eligibility does not guarantee appointment, which will depend on the committee's recommendations, availability of posts, police verification and medical examination.