Shimla, March 17 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh High Court has held that Anganwadi helpers who have rendered long years of service have a legitimate claim to promotion as Anganwadi workers.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chandra Negi made this observation while hearing a writ petition filed by a woman who had served as an Anganwadi helper for over two decades.
The petitioner, Tara Devi, contended that despite her prolonged service, she had been denied promotion to the post of Anganwadi worker.
The court passed a six-page verdict recently and released it to the media on March 16, noting that Anganwadi helpers, who perform essential grassroots duties under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, often remain in the same position for years without adequate career progression.
Taking cognisance of the petitioner’s long and continuous service, the Bench observed that such employees cannot be deprived of promotional avenues indefinitely.
Terming the expectation of promotion as “legitimate”, the court emphasised that fairness in public employment requires that long-serving workers be given due consideration for advancement.
It further underlined that denying promotion despite decades of service would be unjust and contrary to principles of equity.
The judgement is expected to have wider implications for similarly placed Anganwadi helpers across the state, many of whom have been seeking regularisation and promotional opportunities.
Legal experts believe the ruling reinforces the rights of grassroots workers and may prompt the state government to revisit its policies regarding service conditions and promotions within the Anganwadi system.
The case highlights long-standing concerns over stagnation in lower-tier positions and underscores the need for structured career progression in welfare schemes.
