Bhubaneswar: An Anganwadi centre in Nuagaon village under Ghadiaamal panchayat of Rajnagar police limits in Kendrapara district, has been closed for over 80 days due to villagers’ opposition to the appointment of a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman as a helper, denying children access to early education and supplementary nutrition.
According to reports, the centre has been locked since November 20, 2025. The helper, Sharmistha Sethi, was appointed to the position, but following her appointment, villagers stopped sending children to the centre and refused to accept supplementary nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, citing caste-based objections.
The post of Anganwadi helper had remained vacant for a long time. In 2024, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) issued a notification to fill the position, but there were no applicants. A fresh notification was issued in November 2025, following which Sharmistha applied and was appointed as the sole candidate.
Before her appointment, around 20 children aged between three and six years regularly attended the centre. However, from November 21 onwards, attendance dropped to zero. The villagers’ refusal to participate in the programme has left the centre non-operational for nearly three months.
In response, Anganwadi officials reported the issue to higher authorities. The District Social Welfare Officer and the Sub-Collector visited the village multiple times to counsel residents. Despite these efforts, villagers have remained firm in their opposition.
“The Anganwadi centre has been closed for three months because we cannot accept the newly appointed helper. Traditional caste practices are followed in our village, and we will not send children or take the food supplies,” said a local villager.
CDPO Dipali Mishra stated that the district administration and the government have been informed, and repeated counselling sessions have been conducted. “Despite several visits and discussions, the villagers continue to refuse cooperation,” she said.
“Around 20 children used to attend the centre. I joined on November 20, but the villagers are neither sending their children nor accepting nutrition like eggs and Chhatua. They told me it is because I belong to a Scheduled Caste. It is very painful. I dream of becoming a teacher and have a strong interest in educating children, but now no child comes, and parents do not support the centre. Earlier, a few families collected eggs and Chhatua, but later they were threatened, and they too stopped coming,” said Sharmistha Sethi, speaking to the media with tears in her eyes.
