West Bengal government notifies jobs for kin of those killed in political violence

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The West Bengal government on Sunday (November 1, 2026) issued a notification providing jobs for family members of those killed in political violence, a day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision on Saturday (October 31, 2026) while addressing a gathering in Paschim Medinipur’s Garbeta.

“Apply to the DM (District Magistrate). We will give Group D jobs to you,” Mr. Adhikari had said, referring to the families that have been at the receiving end of political violence. The notification, signed by West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal on Sunday, stated that one member of the family of each person who had lost their life in political clashes would be provided employment by the State government. 

The appointments will be made at the Group D level as a one-time exception, without affecting normal recruitment. The notification provides a cut-off date from 2001 onwards. Families with victims of political violence over the past 25 years can apply for government jobs. The 25 years marks the approximately 11 years during which the Left Front government was in power in the State, with the remaining years when the Trinamool Congress was in power.

West Bengal has recorded several instances of political violence, particularly in the panchayat elections held in the State, over the past few decades. The BJP leadership has alleged that their supporters were targeted by Trinamool Congress after 2016, and that a large number of the party’s supporters were targeted after the 2021 Assembly election.

The scheme has several eligibility criteria, which includes that the family’s monthly income should not be more than ₹50,000. The applicant will have to provide details of the incident, along with the FIR, death certificate and relationship with the deceased. A screening committee led by District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police will examine the applications. 

According to the notification, the benefit would be available to one dependent family member of each victim. Eligible applicants will include the spouse, son, daughter or third-gender child of the deceased. In cases where an unmarried person was killed, a brother or sister may also be considered, subject to specified conditions. Only one member from each eligible family will be considered for appointment.

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