IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA CWP No.8602 of 2023 Decided on: 11.11.2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rukmani Devi …..Petitioner Versus State of H.P and others .....Respondents ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Coram Ms. Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua Whether approved for reporting?1 For the Petitioner: Mr. Kamlesh Sen, Advocate. For the Respondents: Mr.L.N.Sharma, Additional Advocate General and Ms. Menka Raj Chauhan, Deputy Advocate General. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Judge The petitioner’s case is that she is serving as Anganwadi Helper at Anganwadi Centre, Naulakha at Gram Panchyat, Chowk, Tehsil Sundernagar, District Mandi, H.P. She was appointed as such on 07.11.2015. The post of Anganwadi Worker became available at Anganwadi Centre, Naulakha. In accordance with notification dated 24.08.2023 containing Guidelines for appointment of Anganwadi workers/ Mini Anganwadi workers/ Helpers under ICDS Programme in Himachal Pradesh, petitioner represented for her promotion to the post of Anganwadi Worker. Respondent No.3- Child Development Project Officer, Sundernager, District 1 Whether reporters of print and electronic media may be allowed to see the order? Yes. 2 Mandi, H.P. on 02.11.2023 rejected petitioner’s representation on the ground that in terms of notification dated 24.08.2023, the age limit for appointment/ promotion of Anganwadi Worker was 18-35 years. Petitioner being 36 years of age could not be promoted as Anganwadi Worker. Feeling aggrieved against the respondents’ rejecting petitioner’s case for promotion under order dated 02.11.2023 (Annexure P-5), this writ petition has been instituted. 2. Respondents have opposed the writ petition primarily relying upon age limit of 18-35 years prescribed for direct appointment to the post of Anganwadi Worker in clause-4 of the notified Scheme/Guidelines for engagement of Anganwadi Workers. 3. At this stage, learned Additional Advocate General placed on record notification issued on 29.02.2024 which amends/clarifies the notification dated 24.08.2023 in respect of age limit for promotion to the post of Anganwadi Worker, relevant portion of which is as under:- “Para-4: Eligibility Criteria 4(c) Age between 18-35 years as on the last date of advertisement. (This is for initial engagement at the time of recruitment of Anganwadi Worker/Helpers/ Mini Anganwadi Workers, not for the appointment of Anganwadi Helpers to Anganwadi Workers.)” 3 4. Since the notification dated 29.02.2024 clarifies that age between 18-35 years provided under Clause-4 of the Scheme for appointment of Anganwadi workers etc. notified on 24.08.2023 would not be applicable for promotion of Anganwadi Helper to the post of Anganwadi Worker, the impugned order dated 02.11.2023 (Annexure P-5) is quashed and set-aside. Respondents are directed to consider the case of the petitioner for promotion to the post of Anganwadi Worker in accordance with law keeping in view all applicable notification(s) governing the field. This exercise be now carried out within two weeks from today. Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed of. Jyotsna Rewal Dua November 11, 2025 Judge yogesh