Anganwadi workers in Ganjam accuse CDPO of corruption and harassment

Anganwadi workers in Sorada area of Ganjam district have raised serious accusations against the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO). 

As per the allegations of the Anganwadi workers, the government funds provided for child development initiatives have been embezzled by CDPO Sabita Sabat. 

In addition, the Anganwadi workers also claimed that their cooking bills have been withheld for the past three months due to their refusal to pay bribes.

Physical Assault Claim:

One worker has also reportedly accused CDPO Sabat of physical assault, further intensifying the calls for action. 

The Anganwadi workers have formally lodged a written complaint with the District Collector, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident and the transfer of the CDPO.

"The CDPO's harassment is unbearable now. We have lodged complaints against her twice and sought action," said Anganwadi worker Subasini Mishra.

Threat of Protest:

The Anganwadi workers have also warned that they will stage protests on April 15 if their grievances are not addressed.

Officer's Denial

Meanwhile, CDPO Sabat has denied all the allegations against her, stating that the Anganwadi workers have resorted to issuing threats against her in retaliation.

"They have brought several  allegations against me that are baseless. They have also issued me threats," said Sabat.

Similar Incident:

Earlier in October 2023, CDPO of Barchana in the Jajpur district was also accused of assaulting an Anganwadi supervisor. 

Must Read: CDPO assaults Anganwadi supervisor in Odisha’s Jajpur

Anganwadi supervisor Subasini Das and CDPO Bhagabati Guru, both working at the integrated child development services (ICDS) office, Barchana, had a heated argument over some issues. The scene turned ugly when the CDPO allegedly lost her cool and thrashed the Anganwadi supervisor.