Agartala, 4th October 2026 : Anganwadi workers in Tripura have renewed their demand for regularisation and better service conditions on the occasion of the 52nd foundation anniversary of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, CITU state leader Panchali Bhattacharjee recalled the history of ICDS and highlighted the contribution of Anganwadi workers and helpers in implementing the programme at the grassroots level.
“October 2 marked the 52nd founding anniversary of the ICDS scheme—the Integrated Child Development Services scheme. We usually organise various programmes at our centres on October 2. However, due to certain reasons, we were unable to organise our programme this time,” Bhattacharjee said.
She said the ICDS programme was first launched across the country on a pilot basis on October 2, 1975. “In our state too, the ICDS project was initially launched on a pilot basis in Chawmanu Block, which was known at that time as the Chawmanu TD (Tribal Development) Block,” she added.
Bhattacharjee stressed that over the past five decades, ICDS workers have played a crucial role in delivering nutrition, healthcare, preschool education and other essential services to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
However, she said that despite their long-standing contribution to the welfare system, Anganwadi workers and helpers continue to work without regular employee status and adequate service benefits.
The CITU leader called for the regularisation of Anganwadi workers and helpers, along with improved remuneration, social security and other employment-related benefits.
She said the demands of the workers should be addressed seriously as ICDS remains an important pillar of the country’s efforts towards child development and maternal welfare. She also urged the authorities to recognise the responsibilities shouldered by Anganwadi workers and ensure dignified working conditions for them.
