A serious complaint of caste-based discrimination has emerged from the Dewanpali Anganwadi Centre under Jharabandh block in Baragada district, where Padmini Jagat, a Dalit woman appointed as a cook, alleged harassment and social boycott.
Padmini said she has worked at the centre for two months after villagers selected her through a public meeting. She alleged that some residents persuaded children not to eat food prepared by her, including eggs and chhatua, and urged parents not to send their children to the centre. She claimed they pressured her to resign from her post.
Her father, Abadhuta Jagat, alleged that villagers harassed him to force his daughter to quit. The situation escalated when locals allegedly locked the Anganwadi centre, disrupting services for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The incident triggered resentment in the area. Jharabandh CDPO confirmed receiving a written complaint from the Anganwadi worker and assured an inquiry. He said action will follow based on the findings.
