Tripura Government Suspends Anganwadi Worker Following Burn Injuries to Two Children

In response to an unfortunate incident at the Bairagimura Anganwadi Center in the Sepahijala district of Tripura, where two children suffered severe burn injuries due to an accident involving hot water, the Tripura government took immediate action. On March 22, an order was issued from the Office of the Child Development Project Officer, suspending Jayalaxmi Sarkar (Debbarma), the Anganwadi Worker responsible for the center.

The order states that on March 20, 2024, two 5-year-old girls, Punti Debbarma and Hamari Debbarma, sustained critical burns as a result of accidental contact with hot water at the Anganwadi center, allegedly due to the actions of Anganwadi Worker Jayalaxmi Sarkar (Debbarma). The injured children are currently undergoing treatment at the burn unit of Agartala Government Medical College & Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital.

Jayalaxmi Sarkar (Debbarma) has been suspended from her duties with immediate effect, as per the order dated March 22, 2024, due to her alleged involvement in the incident.

Additionally, Anita Burman, the Sector Supervisor of Telkajla Sector, along with Debayan Chowdhury and Bishu Kumar Debbarma, Supervisors, has been assigned to visit the Anganwadi Center. Their task involves engaging with local parents and members of the Anganwadi Center Management Committee.

A thorough investigation is underway, and a report detailing the findings is expected to be submitted to the relevant authorities within two days.

The Department of Social Welfare and Social Education swiftly provided assistance to the affected families, offering Rs. 30,000 in support. Minister Tinku Roy and department authorities visited the injured children at the hospital, ensuring coordinated efforts with medical personnel for their care and treatment.

Minister Roy has expressed intentions to provide further financial assistance to the affected children. The department has initiated an inquiry into the incident, promptly suspending the services of the involved Anganwadi Worker. Furthermore, there will be intensified monitoring by the Anganwadi Center Management Committee to prevent such negligence among Anganwadi workers in the future.