Charilam (Tripura), Aug 12: Mounting frustration over delays in receiving benefits under key government maternity programs boiled over on today, as a group of pregnant women — including a ruling party panchayat member — staged a sit-in protest outside the Habijjamura Rasulmura Anganwadi Center in Charilam Block in Tripura.
The demonstrators, who began their protest in the morning and continued into the afternoon, accused local authorities of failing to deliver on the promises of the Prime Minister’s Maternity Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Maternity Checkup Program.
Both initiatives are designed to provide financial and medical support to expectant mothers, but protesters alleged the benefits have not reached them despite repeated submissions of necessary documents.
| Watch enewstime in Video Here |
Local residents told reporters that several pregnant women, along with the panchayat member, had handed over all required paperwork to the Anganwadi worker, identified as Moni. However, they allege that no payments, checkups, or other assistance have been provided.
Speaking to the media, Moni confirmed receiving the documents and claimed to have forwarded them to higher authorities. She said she was unaware of why the benefits had been delayed or withheld.
The protest quickly became a flashpoint in the community, drawing concerned residents and sparking heated discussions about bureaucratic inefficiency and unfulfilled welfare commitments. Many locals expressed disappointment that such lapses were occurring despite the involvement of elected representatives.
Locals opined that the incident cast a spotlight on the implementation gaps in crucial maternal welfare programs, raising questions about oversight and accountability. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
