Bhubaneswar: The Anganwadi Centre at Nuagaon village in Kendrapara district has reopened today after a nearly three-month closure. The centre was shut down due to a caste-related dispute over the appointment of a Scheduled Caste woman as an Anganwadi helper.
According to reports, the centre’s doors were shut after a section of villagers objected to the hiring of a Scheduled Caste woman as an Anganwadi helper. Post her appointment in November, a number of families pulled their kids out of the centre and boycotted the supplementary nutrition meant for pregnant women, new mothers, and kids.
On February 14, a delegation consisting of representatives from the Women and Child Protection Commission, the State Women Commission, and local administration officials visited the village to address the issue. They conducted village meetings and door-to-door campaigns to raise awareness, and also organised cultural events aimed at promoting social cohesion.
As per previous decision, Rajnagar MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo visited the village this morning and discussed with the local leaders. He came to the centre with the children. On the occasion, MLA Sahu announced a donation of Rs 5 lakh from his MLA-lad fund for the construction of the Anganwadi centre and laid the foundation stone.
District Child Protection Officer Bijay Ketan Sahu, CDPO Deepali Mishra and Supervisor Rajini Raul among others welcomed the children to the Anganwadi centre. MLA Sahoo distributed chocolates and sweets to the children. CDPO Deepali Mishra narrated various Panchatantra stories to the children, after which they were served food.
