The Dalit Anganwadi Cook dispute that disrupted services for nearly three months in Nuagaon Village under Ghadiamala Panchayat in Rajnagar block of Kendrapada district, was finally resolved after sustained intervention.
The controversy began when villagers boycotted the centre following the appointment of a Dalit cook-cum-helper Sarmista Sethi, halting children’s attendance and nutrition services.
The matter gained national attention after Congress National President and LoP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge raised it in the Parliament, pressing authorities to act.
Subsequently, the district administration, public representatives including MP and MLA as well as officials intervened, held discussions with villagers and restored normal functioning, with children returning to the Anganwadi and meals resuming, highlighting the role of parliamentary pressure in addressing caste-linked welfare disruptions in Odisha.
