Caste Bias Shuts Anganwadi Centre in Odisha’s Rajnagar for Over 80 Days
Rajnagar, Odisha | February 11, 2026 | DeccanLive.com
In a disturbing reminder that caste discrimination still exists even in today’s digital age, an Anganwadi centre in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has remained shut for more than 80 days after villagers opposed the appointment of a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman as a helper.
The incident took place in Nuagaon village under Ghadiamal Gram Panchayat in the Rajnagar area. The Anganwadi centre there has been locked since villagers refused to accept the newly appointed helper.
According to reports, the post of Anganwadi helper had been vacant for a long time. In November 2025, a local resident, Sarmistha Sethi, applied for the position. As she was the only candidate, she was officially appointed on November 20.
Before her appointment, around 20 children used to attend the centre daily. However, from November 21 — just a day after she took charge — no child has attended the centre. Villagers allegedly locked the building and declared that they would neither accept services nor take supplementary nutrition supplied through her.
The boycott has also affected pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children who depend on the centre for essential nutrition support. Locals have reportedly refused to accept food and other services distributed by the helper.
District Social Welfare officials, along with the Sub-Collector and other authorities, have visited the village several times to resolve the issue. Despite repeated counselling and discussions, the villagers have not changed their stand and continue to oppose the appointment based on caste.
Child Development Project Officer Deepali Mishra confirmed that the matter has been reported to higher authorities and the state government. She said several meetings were held to convince the villagers, but they remain firm in their decision.
Due to caste-based opposition and traditional social barriers, the Anganwadi centre has remained locked for over 81 days, severely affecting beneficiaries in the area.
The incident has once again highlighted the deep-rooted issue of caste discrimination in rural India and its direct impact on children’s welfare and public services.
