Agartala: May 31: In a significant development, Anganwadi workers submitted a deputation to the Social Welfare and Social Education Department today, urging the settlement of their pending dues as mandated by a recent High Court order.
According to an Anganwadi worker, the High Court issued a ruling on May 9, directing the payment of gratuity to Anganwadi helper workers under the Payment of Gratuity Act. Consequently, the workers’ demand for timely disbursement of their rightful entitlement remains a pressing concern.
The state government, however, had initially declined to grant gratuity to Anganwadi helper workers. In response, 20 women Anganwadi helper workers filed a case in the High Court to seek justice.
Justice S. Dutta Purkayastha, presiding over the case, unequivocally affirmed that Anganwadi helper workers are entitled to gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act. As per the court’s ruling, the state government must ensure gratuity payments to all Anganwadi helper workers within 30 days of their retirement. Failure to meet this deadline would result in an additional 7 percent interest being levied.
The Anganwadi workers express their satisfaction with this High Court verdict, which upholds their rights and underscores the importance of timely compensation for their dedicated service.
