October 24, 2024: In a decision that has sparked significant backlash, the Assam government has formally eliminated 22,000 compassionate recruitment posts, further complicating the job search for 3.2 million registered unemployed individuals in the state. This decision, revealed through a recent office memorandum, has raised concerns over the government's commitment to addressing unemployment and supporting bereaved families.

The memorandum, issued on September 18, stipulates that there will be no new compassionate appointments, nor will any applications for such appointments be considered by the District Level Committee (DLC) or State Level Committee (SLC). The directive particularly affects families of government employees who passed away before 2017, denying them both compassionate appointments and full pension benefits.

It was said that the policy is discriminatory and violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. This sentiment is echoed by 14 petitioners from the School Education department who have filed a case in the Guwahati High Court challenging the memorandum. The petitioners assert that the office memorandum divides employees unjustly into two groups, creating a glaring disparity in treatment based on the date of death.

Justice Manas Ranjan Pathak of the Guwahati High Court has taken note of the controversy, directing the Personnel (B) department to clarify its position on the memorandum within eight weeks. Notices have been issued to key officials, including Chief Secretary Ravi Kota and Commissioner Secretary Personnel MS Maniratnam, demanding accountability for the abrupt policy change.

In a contrasting effort, the state’s finance department recently announced a scheme providing full salary as family pension to the relatives of government employees who died after April 1, 2017, until the employee's retirement. However, families of those who passed away before this date are left without similar support, exacerbating the sense of injustice among affected families.

As the ADRE examination proceeds, the fallout from this decision continues to unfold, with many questioning the government's priorities amid rising unemployment. The ongoing legal battle and public outcry signal a critical juncture for the Assam government as it faces mounting pressure to address both unemployment and the rights of bereaved families in a manner that reflects fairness and compassion.