Shivamogga: A controversy has arisen at Mugadthi village, located under the Heddaripura GP near Ripponpete in Hosanagara taluk of Shivamogga district, following the appointment of a Dalit woman as an anganwadi helper.Some villagers refused to send their children to the centre following her appointment. Shivamogga DC Prabhuling Kavalikatti took the matter seriously and directed the department of women and child development to inspect the location immediately.Responding to the directive, child development project officer (CDPO) Gayatri Ramachandra, along with personnel from the Ripponpete police station, visited Mugadthi on Monday and convened a meeting with the residents to address the situation.She clarified that the recruitment was carried out strictly in accordance with govt regulations and legal merit criteria. She said children must not be deprived of health and educational facilities provided at the anganwadi.Local villager Gururaj, who is also the president of Mugadthi Balamuri Ganapathi Temple, denied any caste-based discrimination or opposition in the village, stating that residents from all communities live together in harmony. He suggested the matter arose from a misunderstanding or miscommunication and assured full cooperation for the welfare of the children.
