Agartala, 20th August 2026 : Anganwadi workers and helpers once again took to the streets on Thursday, staging a sit-in demonstration in front of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department in Agartala, pressing for regularisation of service, better financial benefits and timely payment of expenses under the Poshan Aahar scheme.
Workers and helpers from different parts of Tripura participated in the demonstration despite what they described as intimidation, threats and fear. Their demands include regularisation of service, payment of gratuity in accordance with High Court rulings, filling 50 per cent of supervisor posts through promotion of existing workers and helpers, a Puja bonus of ₹10,000, monthly settlement of Poshan Aahar feeding bills and a monthly mobile recharge allowance of ₹350.
Senior advocate Purushuttam Roy Barman criticised the alleged delay in clearing feeding bills under the Poshan Aahar scheme, saying workers and helpers are frequently forced to purchase food supplies with money from their own pockets.
He questioned the adequacy of the funds allocated for nutritional items, particularly pointing out that an egg is valued at only ₹6.25 under the scheme. “In which market can one find an egg for ₹6.25?” he asked, arguing that the allocation does not reflect prevailing market prices.
Roy Barman further alleged that feeding bills remain pending for months even though funds for the scheme are released annually, placing an additional financial burden on Anganwadi workers and helpers. He said the workers are fighting not only for their livelihoods but also for their dignity and rights.
A deputation containing the workers’ demands was submitted to the Director of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department at the protest site. The Director personally came down to receive the memorandum and, according to the protesters, acknowledged the validity of their demands and assured them that the issues would be brought to the state government’s attention immediately.
Roy Barman warned that the agitation could intensify and spread further if the demands are not addressed. The protesters said they would continue their movement until concrete steps are taken to resolve their long-standing grievances.
