Balangir: An anganwadi centre at Ghusramunda village under Muribahal block in Balangir district has remained under lock and key for the past four days after local tribe members allegedly opposed appointment of a Scheduled Caste (SC) woman as cook.According to reports, villagers refused to allow their children to consume meals prepared by the newly appointed cook, Punya Haripal, claiming that their traditional customs do not permit them to eat food cooked by SC members.“As per our tribal tradition, we do not accept food or water from members of the Scheduled Caste community. We have been strictly following this custom for generations, and marriages between members of the tribal and Scheduled Caste communities are also not solemnised,” said a member of the tribal community.The issue came to light after a video statement by Haripal, in which she alleged caste-based discrimination, went viral on social media. She stated that despite being appointed through the prescribed govt process, she was prevented from performing her duties because of her caste.Following the incident, the Anganwadi worker and Haripal informed senior officials and lodged a complaint with the local police, alleging that villagers illegally locked the centre and obstructed govt services.“A police team visited the village to verify the facts after receiving the complaint. We held discussions with the villagers, but they were unwilling to cooperate or understand the situation. The matter has been referred to the district administration for resolution through dialogue before the police initiate any legal action,” said Bulu Munda, IIC of Muribahal police station.Muribahal Tahasildar, along with CDPO and police, visited Ghusramunda village and held discussions with community members in an attempt to resolve the deadlock. However, villagers reportedly remained firm in their demand that Haripal be replaced by another cook acceptable to the tribal community. The administration has convened another round of talks with village representatives on Sunday, while the Anganwadi centre continues to remain closed.“We are trying to resolve the issue by having multiple rounds of discussion with leaders of both the communities. I am hopeful that we will find a way to solve the matter soon,” said Jagdish Kartami, Tahsildar, Muribahal.The protest has disrupted the functioning of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centre, affecting the supply of supplementary nutrition and preschool education to children enrolled there.
