Former Minister and CITU State Committee President Manik Dey on Sunday accused the present government of consistently using Anganwadi workers and helpers as an “available workforce” for various official and political duties, without ensuring adequate welfare measures for them.

His remarks came during a sit-in demonstration organized by the Tripura Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union at Paradise Chowmuhani in Agartala. The protest was held to press an eight-point set of demands focusing on better pay and improved service conditions.

The union has demanded the regularisation of all Anganwadi workers and helpers, along with a minimum monthly wage of ₹41,000 for workers and ₹35,000 for helpers. Their charter of demands also includes gratuity, pension benefits, and timely reimbursement of mobile phone expenses.

Addressing the gathering, Dey said Tripura has over 20,000 Anganwadi workers and helpers who, according to him, are frequently assigned additional responsibilities beyond their core duties. He alleged that they are often required to participate in official events attended by ministers and MLAs, sometimes even bearing transportation costs themselves.

He further claimed that non-compliance with such unofficial expectations has reportedly led to delayed salaries and, in some cases, job-related consequences. He also alleged instances of misbehavior by local leaders during their field duties, stating that such treatment reflects a lack of respect from those in power.

Comparing the present situation with the earlier Left Front regime, Dey said that wages used to be periodically revised along with dearness allowance announcements, and workers also received festival bonuses during Durga Puja. He alleged that such benefits have now been discontinued, even as similar workers in other states receive better compensation.

Dey also pointed out that despite a favourable High Court ruling regarding their demands, the government has not implemented the order, forcing workers to continue their protests.

He further criticized the government on broader women’s issues, saying that the situation of Anganwadi workers reflects a wider pattern of neglect towards women under the current administration.