Rajnagar, February 16:
In a significant development, the Anganwadi Centre at Nuagaon in Rajnagar block of Kendrapara district has resumed operations after being shut for nearly three months due to a caste-related dispute. The prolonged closure had disrupted essential early childhood education and nutrition services for several children in the village.
The issue stemmed from tensions surrounding caste practices, which led to the suspension of activities at the Anganwadi centre. However, on February 14, officials from the Child Protection Commission along with senior administrative authorities visited the village and held discussions with local residents. Their efforts proved successful as villagers were persuaded to prioritise children's welfare over social divisions.
Following the intervention, community members pledged to send their children back to the Anganwadi centre. On February 16, the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) and the Rajnagar MLA personally visited the village, conducted a gram sabha (village meeting), and assured residents that their concerns would be addressed. They also went door-to-door to encourage parents to bring their children back to the centre.
With children returning to the facility, the Anganwadi centre has now resumed normal functioning. The reopening marks a positive step toward restoring educational and nutritional support services and signifies a collective effort by the administration and the community to overcome caste-based barriers for the betterment of children.
