Maharashtra government to give class 1, 2 jobs to children of 26/11 martyrs

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has decided to give class 1 and 2 jobs to the children of the martyrs of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The decision to this effect was taken recently after Poonam Durgude, daughter of slain sub-inspector Bapurao Durgude, who was killed by the terrorists during the 2008 attacks, requested state Home Minister R R Patil to give her a class 1 or 2 job.

According to a senior official in the Home department, government jobs in class 3 and 4 categories were earlier offered under the compensation scheme to the children of martyrs.

However, when Poonam went with her request, it prompted necessary changes in the earlier government resolution (GR) to pave way for martyrs' children to get class 1 or class 2 jobs, the official said.

"Poonam, who was given class 3 job, met Home minister R R Patil and requested him to give her class 1 or class 2 job. Considering the backdrop and gravity of the case, Patil took up the matter with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and asked him to sensitively think over the issue," he said.

Recently, the government also offered class 1 job to Bharti Omble, daughter of slain assistant sub-inspector Tukaram Omble, who played a pivotal role in nabbing Ajmal Kasab, the Pakistani militant who was one of the attackers.

The official said the appointment files of Bharti, who has been given job as deputy collector, and Poonam, as sales tax officer, are in the final stage.

"It is the prerogative of the respective departments to clear the file at the earliest. The process is expected to be completed soon," he said.

"The decision has been taken only for the children of the martyrs in 26/11 terror attacks case. Those who are eligible will definitely get class 1 or class 2 jobs," he said.

Expressing happiness over the government's move, Poonam's sister Neelam said, "It is great news for all of us in the family. We all are very happy. We are expecting the letter in next few days."