Karnataka HC Urges Govt to Support Widows, Illiterate Kin of Public Servants in Job Applications

Swift Summary

• The High Court of Karnataka has urged the state goverment to assist family members, specifically widows or illiterate individuals, in filing applications for compassionate appointments.
• A Division bench comprising Justice Mohammad Nawaz and justice K.S. Hemalekha issued guidelines on handling such applications after noticing lapses by the Revenue Department.
• Officials are required to:

– Frame a uniform standard operating procedure (SOP) across all departments for handling applications related to compassionate appointments.
– Train officials to avoid procedural delays and lapses.
– Act strictly, transparently, and assistively in processing timely applications, especially from dependents facing challenges like illiteracy or bereavement.

• Applications must be acknowledged within 30 days with clear notes on their status (complete/incomplete), defects found, rights of other dependents, and limitation periods.
• Authorities must resolve each application within a maximum of 90 days. any rejection should include detailed reasoning communicated promptly.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The directive from the High Court underscores how critical compassionate appointment matters are as social welfare measures aimed at providing financial relief. By recommending a standardized SOP and proper training for officials across government departments, this ruling seeks to enhance transparency and efficiency while ensuring that bereaved families-especially widows and individuals without formal education-are not disadvantaged due to systemic gaps.

if fully implemented by the State government, these measures could lead to procedural fairness benefiting multiple vulnerable groups around Karnataka. The emphasis on timely responses (acknowledgement within 30 days; resolution within 90 days) highlights accountability in governance.however, consistent monitoring will be essential as bureaucratic inertia can hinder effective execution even under structured policies.

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