BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th July 2025: The Anganwadi Centre in Tulsi Para located in Ward No. 4 of Cheshurimai Gram Panchayat under Charilam Block, has remained closed for over 24 days following a community-led protest against a recent appointment. Residents, angered by the selection of a new Anganwadi worker from outside their ward locked the centre and denied entry to staff.
According to local sources, the centre has been without a designated Anganwadi worker since July 31, 2023, when the previous incumbent, Sajal Rani Chowdhury retired. Since then, assistant worker Pratibha Deb has been running the Kendra.
The situation escalated recently when Tulsi Debnath, a resident of Ward No. 3, was appointed as the new Anganwadi worker. Villagers of Ward No. 4 objected to this appointment, claiming that there were eligible candidates within their own ward and that the role should have been filled from within the local area. In protest, they padlocked the centre and blocked access to the assistant.
Residents have vowed to keep the Kendra closed until a candidate from Ward No. 4 is appointed. “Children are being deprived of basic education and midday meals. We won’t back down until our demand for a fair appointment is met,” said a concerned villager.
The prolonged closure has disrupted early childhood care and nutrition services for local children, drawing growing concern from parents and guardians. Despite the impasse, officials from the relevant department have yet to make an appearance, residents allege.
Speaking to the media personnel this afternoon, villagers reiterated their demands and appealed for immediate government intervention.
