Children resume attendance at Nuagaon Anganwadi centre after three-month halt

In a significant development, children resumed attending the Anganwadi centre at Nuagaon under Rajnagar block in Odisha’s Kendrapara district on Monday, bringing normalcy to an institution that had remained closed for nearly three months due to caste-related issues.

The centre had been shut amid disputes linked to caste practices. Activities recommenced after sustained administrative intervention and community outreach efforts.

Officials Visit And Community Outreach

On Monday, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) and the Rajnagar MLA were present at the Anganwadi centre as children returned. The officials also went door to door in the village, convened a gram sabha, and assured residents that their concerns would be addressed.

Earlier, on February 14, members of the Child Protection Commission along with concerned administrative officials had visited the centre and counselled villagers. Following the intervention, residents pledged to send their children back to the Anganwadi centre.

Sarmistha Sethi, a helper at the centre, said, “I feel very happy that all the children returned today and sweets were distributed among them. Children are India’s future, so early education is very important.”

CDPO Dipali Mishra said, “We are very happy that the issue has been resolved and children have reached the Anganwadi centre. It will set a good example as the matter in Nuagaon has been resolved. People and children will now avail the benefits put in place for them by the government. This was possible with everyone’s cooperation.”

Background Of The Case

The Anganwadi centre at Ghadiamal Nuagaon under Rajnagar block had remained closed for 86 days after a Dalit woman was appointed as a helper. Parents had reportedly refused to send their children following the appointment of the Anganwadi helper from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

The matter came to light after media reports, prompting administrative intervention. Member of the State Women’s Commission Kalpana Mallick, the Kendrapara Sub-Collector, and the local IIC visited the village and held discussions with residents, urging them to change their mindset. A traditional ‘pala’ performance was also organised to promote awareness and social harmony.

Also Read: Odisha Anganwadi caste row: Officials visit village; urge people for social harmony, change in mindset

While several villagers later assured cooperation, some parents denied that caste prejudice was the reason for the boycott and claimed that the absence of a proper Anganwadi building had led to the disruption.