Odisha anganwadi shut for 3 months after Dalit woman’s appointment as cook

An anganwadi centre in Kendrapada, Odisha, remains shut for three months. Parents boycotted the facility after a Dalit woman was appointed as helper-cum-cook. They refused to send their children, citing caste reasons. Authorities are attempting to resolve the deadlock. The closure affects around 60 children and pregnant women. Dalit leaders have alleged administrative inaction. District officials are investigating the matter.