Dhanbad: Selection of Anganwadi Worker Stalls Amid Protests; Procedure Called Off

A heated argument unfolded during a general meeting in Sukudih, a tribal hamlet within the Gungghasa Panchayat of Topchanchi block, Dhanbad, concerning the selection of an Anganwadi worker. The selection procedure was ultimately halted due to the escalating tensions. The applications of 19 women were assessed. However, it was noted that applications from the tribal community were being disregarded despite the center primarily serving children from that community. The CDPO, Mamta Sah, announced the selection of an OBC candidate. The tribal women immediately protested. The CDPO subsequently left the meeting. Police, led by Hariharpur police station in-charge Rahul Kumar Jha, arrived and restored order. The villagers criticized the process, highlighting that the Anganwadi center primarily serves the tribal community’s children, yet tribal candidates were seemingly being overlooked in the selection. Several panchayat representatives were also present.