Overview
- The Nuagaon anganwadi in Kendrapara resumed operations on February 16 after roughly 85–86 days of disruption sparked by objections to Dalit helper Sharmistha Sethi’s appointment.
- Officials reported that 15–16 of the 20 enrolled children attended on reopening day and ate the meal she prepared, with the remaining children said to be ill.
- The boycott had stalled preschool learning and blocked take-home rations for children under three, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
- Administrative outreach involved the SCPCR and OSCW, door-to-door persuasion, meetings and a cultural pala performance to promote constitutional values and end resistance.
- The case drew national attention in Parliament; local leaders, including MP Baijayant Panda, visited the centre, and authorities pledged awareness drives and action on ancillary village grievances.