India, Feb. 10 -- An anganwadi centre in Odisha's coastal Kendrapara district has remained non-functional for nearly three months (80 days) after villagers objected to the appointment of a Dalit woman as helper, depriving children of early education and supplementary nutrition.

The centre in Nuagaon village under Ghadiaamal gram panchayat in Rajnagar block has not functioned since November 20 last year, when Sharmistha Sethi was appointed to the post. Following her appointment, villagers stopped sending children to the centre and refused to accept supplementary nutrition meant for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children, citing caste-based objections.

Though villagers are not openly expressing their reservations, probably apprehe...