Three elderly Community Health Guides in Agartala broke down in tears after receiving sudden termination orders. The incident highlights serious concerns about elderly frontline workers losing livelihoods without support, sparking public debate on welfare policies and humane treatment of health workers.
Agartala witnessed an emotionally charged moment on Monday morning when three elderly women—long-serving Community Health Guides (CHGs)—broke down in tears outside the Chief Minister’s residence after receiving abrupt termination orders. The heartbreaking scene has triggered discussions on the government’s handling of frontline health workers and the broader social implications of discontinuing services for senior CHGs across Tripura.
According to the women, each of whom had dedicated decades to grassroots healthcare services, a government notification informed them that all CHGs above the age of 60 would be relieved of their duties effective November 1. The decision, delivered without prior consultation or rehabilitation measures, has left them jobless and facing immense uncertainty about their survival.
Carrying their termination letters in trembling hands, the women appeared visibly distressed as they stood near the Chief Minister’s residence. Fighting back tears, they pleaded for help, saying, “Honourable Chief Minister, please save us.” Their emotional outpouring drew attention from bystanders and police officials stationed nearby.
For years, the Community Health Guides have played a crucial role in delivering essential healthcare services in remote and underserved regions. They assisted in routine medical visits, maternal health monitoring, immunization outreach, and disease prevention awareness. Many CHGs continued working even during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, often without adequate protective gear or additional incentives. Their sudden removal has raised ethical and humanitarian questions regarding the treatment of frontline workers who have been integral to public health delivery for decades.
The elderly women spoke of a deepening fear—how they would afford medicines for age-related ailments, how they would continue household expenses, and how they would support dependents relying on their modest income. Some of them are primary earners in their homes, and with no alternative source of livelihood, they worry about plunging into poverty.
One of the women, who has served as a CHG for more than 30 years, said that losing her job at this age feels like losing her dignity. “We have given our whole life to public health service. Now we are thrown away because we are old,” she said, her voice trembling with grief.
Another woman expressed desperation, stating that she sees “no option but death” if the government does not reconsider the decision. Such statements have sparked concerns about the psychological impact and emotional distress caused by sudden job loss among the elderly.
Though they were unable to meet the Chief Minister, Subrata Debnath, Officer-in-Charge of East Agartala Police Station, approached them after noticing their distress. He assured them that the matter would be conveyed to the appropriate government authorities for review. He also arranged transportation so the women could be safely escorted back to their homes.
The Officer-in-Charge’s gesture offered momentary relief, but the larger issue remains unresolved. Rights groups and social activists argue that while the government may have administrative reasons for retiring senior CHGs, a humane transition plan is essential. They emphasize the need for a structured retirement benefit, pension scheme, or rehabilitative support to ensure that elderly workers are not pushed into destitution.
Experts note that government health programmes often rely heavily on contractual or honorarium-based workers like CHGs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi helpers. These workers operate without long-term employment security, making them vulnerable to sudden policy changes. Removing frontline workers without social protection could have long-term consequences—both for public health operations and for the affected families.
Political observers add that the incident may fuel public debate on labour rights and welfare measures for senior citizens in Tripura. With assembly elections nearing in some northeastern states, the issue could evolve into a significant talking point, particularly among working-class communities dependent on government-supported healthcare roles.
As the video and images of the crying women began circulating on social media, citizens expressed sympathy and demanded that the government review its decision. Many questioned whether age alone should determine dismissal, especially for workers who have dedicated their lives to social service.
The state government is yet to issue an official response, but officials close to the administration said the matter may be re-examined after reviewing humanitarian concerns and public feedback.
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For now, the emotional outburst outside the Chief Minister’s residence stands as a stark reminder of the socio-economic insecurity faced by aging frontline workers—and the urgent need for compassionate policy decisions.
