CDPO demands bribe from Anganwadi job aspirant in Odisha, audio goes viral

The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Dhamnagar block in Bhadrak district has landed in soup for allegedly demanding bribe from an Anganwadi job aspirant. The matter came to the fore after a video of the telephonic conversation between the job aspirant and the CDPO went viral on Thursday. 

As per the allegations of the job aspirant, identified as Sushama Pradhan, she had applied for the post of Anganwadi worker of Pachhalo Pradhan Sahi. Two others had applied for the same post. 

Due to the dispute over the selection process, the matter was in court. 

Meanwhile, Dhamnagar CDPO Namita Das allegedly called up Sushama informing her that she has been selected and to get the post she has to give her something between Rs 30,000 and 40,000. 

Then she took the matter up with the Bhadrak district Collector. 

“I received a phone call from the madam (CDPO) informing me that I have been selected for the post. In the evening, CDPO madam again called me up demanding something in return for the job. When I pleaded my inability, she told me that I have to pay something between Rs 30,000 and 40,000. When I said I couldn’t arrange the money, she cut the conversation saying I will then lose the job,” said Pradhan. 

However, it is not yet clear how old is the telephonic conversation. CDPO Namita Das could not be contacted for her comment regarding the audio and the bribe allegations against her.