An Anganwadi centre in Nuagaon village under Ghadiaamal panchayat has remained closed for more than 80 days after villagers opposed the appointment of a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman as a helper.
Authorities said the centre stopped functioning after residents refused to send children or accept supplementary nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. The post of helper had been vacant for a long time, and in November 2025, Sharmistha Sethi, a local resident, applied and was appointed on November 20 as the sole applicant.
Before her appointment, around 20 children attended the centre regularly. Since November 21, no child has turned up. Villagers locked the centre and declared they would not accept food supplies or services.
Officials, including the District Social Welfare Officer and the Sub-Collector, visited the village several times to persuade residents, but efforts failed. Villagers insisted they would not accept the newly appointed helper, citing traditional caste practices.
Child Development Project Officer Dipali Mishra confirmed that the district administration and government have been informed. She said repeated counselling sessions have been held, but villagers remain firm in their stand.
The closure has disrupted essential services for children and mothers, raising concerns about caste discrimination and the denial of welfare benefits in the region.
