Officials in Nuapada district faced resistance during a campaign against caste bias at Palsapada Anganwadi, where villagers refused to participate despite awareness efforts.
A woman assistant from the Scheduled Caste community has worked at the Palsapada Anganwadi for nearly eighteen months. Villagers allegedly refused to cooperate with her due to caste prejudice. Parents stopped sending children to the centre and declined to accept dry food rations.
After repeated complaints, block and district officials visited the village several times to resolve the issue. On Friday, the assistant arranged a meal at the centre. Senior officials, including Sub-Collector Surmi Soren, DSW Geeta, BDO Karmi Oram, CDPO Urmila Mahapatra, Tehsildar Upanjali Majhi, and other officers, joined the meal to spread awareness. They urged villagers to end discriminatory practices.
Despite the officials’ presence, villagers stayed away from the centre. They denied caste bias allegations but demanded the removal of the assistant. This refusal raised concerns among district authorities about entrenched social divisions.
DSW Geeta stated that the administration will continue efforts until the issue is resolved. Officials stressed that caste bias undermines welfare programs and deprives children of essential nutrition and education.
