The Tripura High Court has issued a notice to the state government seeking a detailed explanation on why long-serving Anganwadi workers and helpers have not been granted permanent appointments or regularisation in service despite years of continuous work.
During the hearing, the court directed the government to respond within a stipulated time frame and questioned the rationale behind keeping employees in temporary status for extended periods. The bench observed that individuals who have served for many years should not be denied the benefits and security associated with regular government employment.
Speaking to the media after the hearing, petitioner’s counsel Purushottam Roy Barman said that Anganwadi workers and helpers continue to be excluded from the advantages of permanent service despite their long-standing contributions at the grassroots level. He stated that the petition was filed to ensure that their legitimate rights are recognized and implemented.
The petitioners have also urged the court to direct the implementation of the principle of “equal pay for equal work” until the issue of regularisation is resolved, arguing that workers performing similar duties should not be treated differently in terms of remuneration and benefits.
Roy Barman further informed that the High Court had earlier ruled in favour of granting gratuity benefits to Anganwadi employees. Although the state government challenged the decision before a division bench, the ruling was upheld in favour of the workers. However, despite this legal clarity, many of their service-related demands remain unaddressed.
The workers have also raised concerns over the denial of dearness allowance (DA) since 2017. According to them, this benefit was previously extended to other categories of government employees, but was discontinued for Anganwadi staff, adding to their financial hardship. They also alleged that periodic financial increments, which were earlier provided, have been stopped since then.
The issue has once again brought attention to the long-standing grievances of Anganwadi workers across the state. With the High Court now intervening, pressure is mounting on the government to review its policies and address concerns related to job security, fair wages, and social security benefits for frontline welfare workers.
