Tamil Nadu Anganwadi Worker Attempts Suicide During Electoral Roll Revision Work: Highlights Mounting Pressure on Staff

The anganwadi worker, identified as Chitra, has been hospitalized and is now reported to be in stable condition, according to officials.

Chennai:

An anganwadi worker engaged in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, attempted suicide on Tuesday, raising serious concerns about workload pressures associated with this controversial electoral exercise.

Officials confirmed that the woman, identified as Chitra, was immediately transported to a hospital where her condition has stabilized.

Law enforcement authorities have launched an investigation into the incident's circumstances.

"We are investigating whether she faced threats from authorities and what circumstances led to this attempt," a senior police official informed NDTV.

Authorities are currently examining the authenticity of a handwritten note and voice message allegedly recorded by Chitra addressed to her children, both of which have been circulating widely on social media.

The incident occurs amid widespread protests, with revenue officials across Tamil Nadu boycotting SIR duties, citing excessive workload and insufficient training. These officials are demanding a month's salary as honorarium and extended timelines to complete the work.

The situation has become more tense following reports of a SIR employee's suicide in neighboring Kerala last week, increasing anxiety among field staff in Tamil Nadu.

DMK MP NR Elango rejected accusations that the ruling party is instigating protests related to the survey, stating, "These revenue employees are deemed to have come under the Election Commission, and they have flagged concerns to their bosses. The DMK has nothing to do with this... We have only moved the court."

Helplines: Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com, TISS iCall 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm). If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.