Agartala, August 05: Members of the Tripura Anganwadi Workers, Helpers and Pensioners Association submitted a memorandum to the Director of the Social Welfare and Social Education department here today voicing a series of demands ranging from better financial support to operational flexibility.
Led by Association President Manjujula Chakraborty, the delegation met officials at the department’s Abhoynagar office to seek action on issues including fair mobile recharge allowances, consistent monthly payments, implementation of “equal pay for equal work” per Supreme Court guidelines and operational hours for Anganwadi Kendras.
“We are given only Rs 200 annually for mobile recharges, but most of our work depends on internet access. Applications used for face capture, photo documentation of distributed rice and pulses, all of this relies on mobile internet, yet the connectivity is too poor to function smoothly,” Chakraborty told reporters.
She further highlighted financial strain in maintaining Anganwadi centres, noting that workers receive merely Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000 to purchase essential equipment. “The department has instructed us to work from 12 noon to 1 pm, but with such minimal allowances, that’s simply not feasible. From today, we’ve resolved to operate only till 11 am,” she added.
Concerns were also raised over irregular payments of honorary retirement allowances. The association urged the department to ensure timely disbursals and increase the benefit amount.
According to Chakraborty, the Director of Social Welfare has assured the delegation that their demands will be reviewed and addressed.
