A widow of an army jawan, who died due to illness while in service in 2004, has knocked at the doors of the Madras High Court for relief after her plea for a government job on compassionate ground was rejected by Mettur Municipality in Tamil Nadu.   

When the petition by M Mary Metilda of Salem District came up for hearing, Justice S Nagamuthu directed the state Chief Secretary to submit a report on whether the government had any scheme for providing employment for dependents of members of armed forces who died in service.   

"This court is not informed as to whether there is any scheme available with the government of Tamil Nadu to provide employment for the dependents of the members of armed forces who lost their lives while in service befitting their educational qualification.

Since it involves a policy of the government, this court wants to know the stand of the government in this regard,' the Judge said.   

Passing the interim order on the petition seeking a direction to appoint her as a Revenue Assistant in the Mettur Municipality, the Judge posted the matter for further hearing on June 23.