Northeast Desk, 22nd June: Tripura’s Social Welfare and Social Education Minister, Tinku Roy, announced the state government’s decision to challenge a High Court order granting gratuity benefits to Anganwadi workers. The government intends to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, expressing disapproval of the High Court’s judgment.
In May, the Tripura High Court issued a landmark judgment that Anganwadi workers should be covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. This ruling came after the court reviewed 22 petitions filed by retired workers from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme. The High Court cited a previous Supreme Court ruling in a similar case from Gujarat to support its decision.
The High Court’s decision put significant pressure on the Tripura Social Welfare and Social Education Department, as numerous former Anganwadi workers began filing applications seeking gratuity benefits. However, the department did not acknowledge these applications, stating that the Tripura government had not approved the High Court order.
Minister Tinku Roy emphasized that the state government would appeal to the Supreme Court against the High Court’s decision. He noted that many other states do not have policies granting gratuity to Anganwadi workers, suggesting that the Tripura government’s stance is in line with broader national practices.
The state government’s appeal to the Supreme Court underscores the ongoing legal and policy debates surrounding the rights and benefits of Anganwadi workers, who play a crucial role in child welfare and development across India.
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