Nearly four years after the tragic oxygen shortage deaths during the Covid-19 pandemic, families of the victims in Chamarajanagar have finally received assurance of government jobs, with the Karnataka government initiating the process.
The move comes after sustained protests by the families of the deceased and continuous pressure from social organisations demanding justice and rehabilitation.
Special recruitment process initiated
The Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) has issued letters to the dependents of the victims, informing them about employment under a special recruitment drive. The beneficiaries have been instructed to submit the required documents at the earliest to complete the formalities.
Government jobs will be provided to the kin of 31 people who died due to the shortage of oxygen supply at the Chamarajanagar district hospital during the peak of the Covid crisis.
Documents required from dependents
Officials said the dependents must submit several documents, including the death certificate of the deceased, a tahsildar-attested letter confirming dependency, marriage documents, and date of birth certificates.
In addition, applicants must produce a family consent letter, income certificate, caste certificate, and a police conduct certificate. These documents will be scrutinised as part of the special recruitment procedure.
Job postings across health institutions
According to officials, the government plans to provide 10 posts at CIMS and 21 posts at the district hospital and the Health Department. The appointments are aimed at providing financial stability and long-term support to families who lost their breadwinners during the tragedy.
Dean and Director of CIMS, Dr H G Manjunath, said the process of collecting applications and documents is currently underway. “Once the proposals are placed before the Governing Council and the recruitment notification is issued, appointment letters will be distributed,” he said.
District administration backs victims
Deputy Commissioner Shilpa Nag said the district administration has consistently stood with the victims’ families. She noted that several meetings were held and detailed proposals were submitted to the state government to ensure relief through employment.
“The application process will be completed soon, and the administration will ensure that the victims’ families receive the support promised to them,” she said.
A step towards closure
The oxygen tragedy had shocked Karnataka during the Covid pandemic, leaving families grieving and struggling for justice. While the move does not erase the pain of loss, victims’ families say the decision offers some relief and recognition of the injustice they endured.