Odisha villagers refuse to send children to Anganwadi over appointment of helper from SC community!

In a disturbing incident that highlights the persistence of caste discrimination even in the digital age, villagers in Nuagaon under Ghadiamal Panchayat within Rajnagar police limits of Kendrapara district have reportedly boycotted an Anganwadi centre after a young woman from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community was appointed as a helper.

Following her appointment, several villagers allegedly stopped sending their children to the Anganwadi centre for early childhood education. In addition, they are also refusing to accept supplementary nutrition provided through the centre for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children if it is distributed by the newly appointed helper.

Caste Discrimination

“I joined here on November 20. Since then, no one is allowing their children to come to the Anganwadi or take eggs and ‘Sattu’ from me. They are saying that they will not accept anything from me as I belong to the SC caste. Even as I was a single candidate for this job, the villagers are not supporting me,” said a teary-eyed Sharmistha Sethi, the Anganwadi helper.

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Likewise, another Anganwadi worker said, “There were at least 18-20 students. However, they are not being allowed by their parents since November 20. We try to go around the village and call the children, but their parents refuse to send them.

Repeated Boycott

No comments were received from the concerned authorities.

The Anganwadi centre plays a crucial role in delivering essential services, including pre-school education and nutritional support to vulnerable sections of society. The reported boycott has raised serious concerns about the impact on beneficiaries, particularly women and children who depend on these services.

The incident has sparked debate locally, with calls for intervention by authorities to ensure that government welfare schemes are implemented without discrimination. Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement on the matter.

The episode has once again brought into focus the continuing challenges of caste-based prejudice in rural areas despite constitutional safeguards and social progress.