Bhubaneswar, February 10: An Anganwadi centre in Nuagaon village, located in the Ghadiamala Panchayat of Odisha’s Kendrapara district, has been shut down for over 80 days due to caste-based objections from the local community against the appointment of a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman as an Anganwadi helper.

The closure of the centre has disrupted early childhood education and nutrition services, leaving children and pregnant or lactating women—who also rely on the centre—without crucial support.

Despite efforts by the appointed helper, the villagers have refused to send their children to the centre, citing caste-based prejudices.

The helper, who was appointed on November 20, 2025, shared her distress over the situation. "I was appointed to the position because no one else applied. This boycott, based on my caste, not only perpetuates discrimination but also jeopardizes the health and development of the children," she said.

With more than 20 children enrolled at the centre, she tried to persuade families to continue attending, but several children stopped coming after facing threats from other villagers.

It is said that the District Social Welfare Officer and the Sub-Collector have also made several attempts to address the issue and resolve it through community reconciliation. However, it has been unsuccessful.

Some villagers have openly stated their refusal to accept the appointment, claiming adherence to traditional caste norms as their justification for rejecting the SC woman’s presence in the role.