Northeast Desk, 10th May: In compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, the Tripura High Court directed the state government to grant gratuity benefits to all Anganwadi helpers, as stated by a senior lawyer. The Supreme Court had previously mandated gratuity benefits for Anganwadi helpers in 2022, recognizing their crucial role at the grassroots level.
Twenty retired Anganwadi helpers had approached the state government for gratuity benefits upon retirement, citing the Supreme Court’s order. However, their requests were rejected by the social education and social welfare department. Left with no alternative, the retired helpers filed a writ petition in the High Court last year.
After thorough deliberation, Justice S. Dutta Purakayastha ruled that Anganwadi helpers are entitled to gratuity within 30 days of retirement. Failure by the government to comply within the specified time will result in interest accruing at a rate of 10 per cent, stated senior advocate Purusottam Roy Barman, who represented the petitioners.
Following the High Court’s directive, all retired Anganwadi helpers, regardless of their involvement in the petition, will receive post-retirement benefits, Barman added. He also emphasized that even if the government challenges the order in the future, the petitioners are assured of victory, given the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Anganwadi helpers’ eligibility for gratuity. The verdict stands to benefit approximately 10,000 Anganwadi helpers.
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