Agartala: Three elderly women, who had served the state for years as Community Health Guides (CHGs), broke down in tears near the Chief Minister’s residence early this morning after being handed termination notices. Clutching the official papers that rendered them jobless, they pleaded for the Chief Minister’s intervention, crying out: “Sympathetic Chief Minister, please save us.”
The long-serving CHGs were abruptly terminated following a recent state government notification. The order dictates that all Community Health Guides who have crossed the age of 60 years will be relieved of their duties, effective from November 1st. The three women, whose lengthy careers came to an unexpected end, are among those affected by this notification.
Overwhelmed by their predicament, the women voiced a harrowing question: “Where will we get the money for the essential medicine required for our survival?” They stressed that running a household and managing other responsibilities is now secondary, as their very existence hangs in the balance.
The workers had come to the capital with the hope of meeting the Chief Minister to appeal their case, but their attempt was unsuccessful. In despair, one woman reportedly stated that death now felt like the only alternative left to them.
While they were unable to meet the Chief Minister, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of East Agartala Police Station, Subrata Debnath, intervened. He assured the distressed women that the matter would be brought to the government’s attention. He then personally arranged for the elderly women to be safely transported back to their homes.
