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Bargarh (Odisha): Days after a similar controversy surfaced in Odisha’s Bolangir district, another alleged case of caste-based discrimination has emerged from Bargarh district, where a Dalit Anganwadi cook claims she is being ostracised because of her caste.
The incident has been reported from an Anganwadi centre at Devanpali village under Jharbandh block. The cook, Padmini Jagat, alleged that some villagers have refused to allow children to consume meals prepared by her and are pressuring her to resign from her job.
According to Padmini, she was appointed as the cook around two months ago after applying independently for the post, despite some villagers backing another candidate. She alleged that opposition to her appointment began soon after it became known that she belonged to a Scheduled Caste community.
She further claimed that certain individuals have been persuading parents not to send their children to the Anganwadi or allow them to eat the cooked meals, eggs and sattu prepared by her. Padmini also alleged that her father, Avadhut Jagat, was summoned to a village meeting and asked to convince her to quit the job.
The situation escalated on Wednesday when a group of villagers allegedly locked the Anganwadi centre, disrupting the distribution of nutrition and other essential services to children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.The incident has sparked concern in the area, with locals demanding a fair investigation and strict action against those found responsible.
Jharbandh CDPO said a written complaint has been received and assured that an inquiry is underway. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation, the official added.
(With Inputs from B.Tripathy)
