No takers: Anganwadi in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has been down for almost three months. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Anganwadi in Odisha’s Kendrapara district has been non-functioning for nearly three months after residents stopped sending children allegedly over the appointment of a Dalit woman, Sharmistha Sethya, as an assistant cook.
The 20-year-old graduate alleged that villagers started boycotting the center at Nuagaon under Ghadiamal gram panchayat in Rajnagar block soon after her appointment on November 20, 2025. “They also do not collect free food items like sattu (flour made from roasted gram) and eggs for children. My family is very poor. I got this job after a lot of hardship,” she said.
Ms. Sethy alleged that the boycott was rooted in caste prejudice. “They are not sending their children because I am a Dalit. Society has progressed in many ways, but if we continue to cling to casteism, we cannot progress,” she said.
An Anganwadi worker confirmed Ms. Setha’s report and said that 20 children are enrolled at the center but none of them are attending it now. “We went door to door, but no one is willing to send their children,” the worker said.
“Exploring Solutions”
The Kendrapara district administration on Tuesday deputed a team of officials to assess the situation and explore possible solutions.
“I have spoken to the villagers, but they do not give any specific reason why they should keep their children away. They do not openly attribute the problem to the helper caste,” said Child Development Project Manager Deepali Mishra.
Ms. Mishra said the post of helper-cum-cook was advertised in 2024 and again in 2025. Eligible villagers were invited to apply, she said. “Mrs Sethy was the only applicant. We are trying to ensure that the children return so that their pre-school education is not affected. The final decision will be taken by the higher authorities,” she said.
Ms Sethy, who receives a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, is tasked with cooking meals, helping with play-based learning activities and helping with health monitoring.
None of the villagers were willing to comment on the matter.
Published – 11 Feb 2026 01:16 IST