BINA RANI PAUL Vs. STATE OF TRIPURA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners Nos.1 to 5,7,9 to 12,14,15,18,19 and 20 were Anganwadi Workers [for short, AWWs] and rest petitioners were Anganwadi Helpers [for short, AWHs] engaged under Intensive Child Development Services Scheme (for short- ICDS scheme) at different Anganwadi centres on different dates. Their engagement was discontinued on their retirement on different dates during the period from 2021 to 2023 after they attainted the age of 60 years. Engagement of some of the petitioners were continued by way of reengagement even after they had attained the age of 60 years and later on same was discontinued.

(2.) All the petitioners thereafter in the month of July, 2023 sent their respective representations [Annexures- 38 to 57 to the writ petition] to the Director of Social Welfare and Social Education, Government of Tripura (respondent No.4) to provide them gratuity and other post retiral benefits but the respondent No.4 vide letter dtd. 11/8/2023 [Annexure-58 to the writ petition] regretted the matter of gratuity, with the following reasons:

(3.) Earlier, the State Government vide notification dtd. 1/8/2015 [Annexure-59 to the writ petition] introduced above mentioned scheme for pension/one time Financial Benefits to the AWWs and AWHs on their retirement on attaining 60 years of age.