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

An Anganwadi centre in Ghadiamal Nuagaon under Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district has reportedly remained closed for 86 days after a Dalit woman was appointed as a helper. Parents reportedly refused to send their children, following the appointment of an Anganwadi helper from the SC community.

The situation came to light following media reports, prompting officials to visit the village and intervene. After the issue was highlighted, Member of the State Women’s Commission Kalpana Mallick, Kendrapara Sub-Collector and local IIC on Saturday visited the village to assess the situation. They held discussions with villagers and counselled them, urging a change in mindset.

In an effort to spread awareness and promote social harmony, a traditional ‘pala’ performance was organised in the village to sensitise residents.

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Villagers Assure Cooperation

Following the intervention, villagers decided that children would resume attending the Anganwadi centre from Monday.

“They promised that a proper Anganwadi building will be provided soon. Children will return as usual from Monday as we have no complaints. After discussions, the sub-Collector assured us that a proper building will be provided. The children who were attending earlier will start coming again from now onwards,” said Sandyarani Pradhan, a resident.

On the other hand, some parents denied that caste prejudice was the reason behind the boycott. They claimed that the absence of a proper Anganwadi building was why they had not been sending their children to the centre.

The development marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy in the village, with authorities hopeful that the centre will function smoothly and children will no longer be deprived of essential early education and nutrition services.