An anganwadi centre in Kendrapara, Odisha, remains closed for 80 days after villagers opposed the appointment of a Dalit woman helper
OdishaPlus Bureau
An anganwadi centre located in the coastal Kendrapara district of Odisha has been inactive for almost three months (80 days) due to villagers’ objections regarding the appointment of a Dalit woman as a helper, which has resulted in children being deprived of early education and supplementary nutrition.
The centre situated in Nuagaon village, under the Ghadiaamal gram panchayat in the Rajnagar block, has not been operational since November 20 of the previous year, when Sharmistha Sethi was appointed to the position. Following her appointment, the villagers ceased sending their children to the centre and declined to accept the supplementary nutrition intended for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, citing objections based on caste.
Although the villagers are not openly voicing their concerns, likely due to fears of repercussions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, officials have acknowledged that caste remains a significant barrier.
Dipali Mishra, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) for Rajnagar, stated that repeated counseling sessions have not succeeded in resolving the impasse. “The District Social Welfare Officer and the Sub-Collector have visited the village several times to counsel the residents, but the villagers have remained steadfast in their opposition. They clearly do not want a Dalit woman at the anganwadi centre,” she remarked.