After loss, families await compassionate appointments:31 families struggle for jobs, officials deny vacancies and offer ₹5 lakh

In Madhya Pradesh, 31 families awaiting compassionate appointments in the Madhya Pradesh Industrial Development Corporation (MPIDC) say their future has remained uncertain for 5 to 10 years. Each family lost a breadwinner—either a father or husband—while in government service, yet dependents claim they have been forced to make repeated rounds of offices without resolution. Allegations of Discrimination and Delay The corporation, which functions under the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion, has been accused by applicants of discriminatory treatment. They allege that while other state corporations and boards continue to offer compassionate appointments, MPIDC has been denying eligible candidates citing “non-availability of posts.” Board Had Sought Review of Other Cases The issue was raised in a Board of Directors meeting of the Industrial Development Corporation. According to applicants, the matter was discussed in detail during the meeting held on November 13, 2025 (Agenda Item No. 4). The board had directed officials to examine precedents of compassionate appointments made in other government companies, boards, and undertakings, and to present the matter again in the next meeting for review. Applicants collected documents themselves In an unusual move, the applicants themselves gathered appointment orders and documents from other corporations and boards between 2010 and 2025 and submitted them to the department to expedite the decision-making process. Despite this, no concrete administrative decision has been taken so far at the Principal Secretary level. “Cases pending for 10 years” Deepak Kushwah, son of a deceased employee, said that cases have remained pending for nearly a decade. “Officials tell us that posts have been abolished and appointments are no longer possible. But in 2013, two dependents of deceased employees were given jobs,” he said. ‘Take ₹5 lakh, no posts available’ Kushwah, a resident of Gwalior, said officials have argued that posts like Assistant Grade-3 are no longer sanctioned, and Class IV posts fall under a “dying cadre.” Based on this, the board decided in September 2021 to offer an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh instead of providing jobs to eligible dependents. However, most applicants have refused the compensation and are demanding compassionate appointments, which they consider their rightful claim. Alleged violation of constitutional rights Applicants argue that the “no vacancy” claim is misleading, as recruitment continues for Assistant Grade-2 and Grade-1 posts. Kushwah alleged that this amounts to a violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 16 (Equal Opportunity in Public Employment) of the Constitution. They question why similar cases were granted appointments earlier, while their cases remain pending. Blood-written letter, hope from assembly In a desperate attempt to seek justice, one applicant even wrote a letter to the department in blood. Despite this, they claim the administration remains unresponsive. Now, all 31 families have urged the government to ensure immediate and fair resolution of pending cases. They have also demanded that the issue be raised in the Legislative Assembly through questions or attention motions to ensure transparency and accountability.