Agartala: June 01: In a show of solidarity, the Tripura Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Union, along with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), All India Working Women’s Coordination Committee, and All India Democratic Women’s Federation, organized a procession on the main road today. The procession aimed to highlight their 4-point demand, which includes the payment of gratuity to Anganwadi workers and helpers as per the Tripura High Court’s instructions.
Former ministers Manik Dey, Panchali Bhattacharjee, Rama Das, and other prominent figures participated in the procession. Speaking at the event, former minister Manik Dey emphasized the importance of the Payment of Gratuity Act, which was passed in 1972. According to the act, both government and non-government Anganwadi workers and helpers are entitled to receive gratuity.
On May 9, the Tripura High Court issued an order for the payment of gratuity to Anganwadi workers and helpers under the Payment of Gratuity Act. The state government is now obligated to disburse gratuity within 30 days of an employee’s retirement. If this deadline is exceeded, the payment must include 7 percent interest. However, despite the court’s ruling, the state government has been delaying the gratuity payments, prompting various left organizations to raise their voices against this injustice.
The procession and subsequent deputation to the authorities of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department serve as a collective call for justice and fair treatment for Anganwadi workers and helpers in Tripura.
