The Karnataka government is contemplating changes to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, particularly focusing on a clause that currently restricts children of SC/ST individuals, who die in atrocity cases, from qualifying for government jobs on Compassionate Grounds (CG) if they do not turn 18 within three years of the death. Since the law’s implementation in 2018, 60 applicants—about 11.23% of total applications—have been denied jobs due to this age limitation.
A recent meeting of the State Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reviewed this issue among other matters. Under the current provisions of the Act, the families of those who die in atrocity-related incidents receive a compensation of Rs 8.25 lakh (50% after the post-mortem and the remaining 50% upon submission of the chargesheet). In addition, the widow of the deceased receives a monthly pension of Rs 5,000, and one eligible family member is given a government job on compassionate grounds. However, this rule has led to the rejection of job applications from children between the ages of 5 and 14 who lost a parent in such incidents.
The Social Welfare Department is reportedly in favor of removing the age bar, though a final decision is pending. Since 2018, 534 applications for compassionate appointments have been received, of which 166 were accepted, and 251 were rejected. Among the rejections, 151 were due to the absence of eligible heirs, while 60 were a result of the age limitation.
Former MP L Hanumanthaiah has supported the potential revision, calling it a progressive step for the development of these communities. The proposal could provide a one-time opportunity for those previously denied jobs due to outdated rules, including the income clause that was removed in 2022.
Read also: