Tripura government suspends anganwadi worker following burn injuries to children

AGARTALA: Following a distressing incident at the Bairagimura Anganwadi Center in Sepahijala district of Tripura, where two children suffered severe burn injuries in a hot water accident, the Tripura government swiftly responded.

On Friday (March 22), an order was issued from the office of the Tripura child development project officer, suspending Jayalaxmi Sarkar (Debbarma), the Anganwadi worker in-charge of the Anganwadi centre.

The order outlines that on March 20, two five-year-old girls, Punti Debbarma and Hamari Debbarma, sustained critical burns due to accidental contact with hot water at the Anganwadi centre, allegedly caused by Anganwadi worker Jayalaxmi Sarkar (Debbarma).

The injured children are currently receiving treatment at the burn unit of Agartala government medical college & GB Pant hospital in Tripura.

Jayalaxmi Sarkar (Debbarma) was suspended from her duties, as per the order issued on March 22, owing to her purported involvement in the incident.

Furthermore, Anita Burman, the sector supervisor of Telkajla sector, along with Debayan Chowdhury and Bishu Kumar Debbarma, supervisors, have been tasked with visiting the Anganwadi centre.

Their assignment includes engaging with local parents and members of the Anganwadi centre Management Committee.

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

The Tripura department of social welfare and social education promptly extended assistance to the affected families, offering Rs 30,000 in support.

Tripura minister Tinky Roy and department officials visited the injured children at the hospital, ensuring coordinated efforts with medical personnel for their care and treatment.

Tripura 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 implicated Anganwadi worker.