Caste Discrimination Shuts Kendrapara Anganwadi, Children and Mothers Deprived of Nutrition
Kendrapara, Odisha: An Anganwadi centre in Nuagaon village has remained closed for over 80 days after villagers boycotted the facility following the appointment of a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman, Sharmistha Sethi, as a helper.
The centre, which previously catered to around 20 children, now stands locked, depriving pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children of essential supplementary nutrition and services.
Despite repeated counselling attempts by district officials, including the Social Welfare Officer and Sub‑Collector, villagers continue to resist reopening the centre, citing traditional caste practices
Authorities have expressed concern that the boycott not only perpetuates caste discrimination but also disrupts vital welfare services meant for vulnerable groups.
The incident underscores the persistence of caste‑based prejudice in rural Odisha and highlights the urgent need for stronger awareness and enforcement of social welfare schemes to ensure inclusivity and equal access.
