Two days after Parliament raised a caste dispute over the engagement of a Dalit woman as an anganwadi helper, Odisha's Kendrapara administration announced a resolution on February 14, 2026. The villagers of Nuagaon had boycotted the anganwadi centre since November 21, refusing to send their children or accept nutritious food for pregnant women. The conflict was sparked by the appointment of Sharmistha Sethy, a Dalit helper. "Final talks with upper-caste residents were held in the presence of stakeholders, including State Commissions for Child Rights and Women," said Kendrapara sub-collector Arun Nayak. Officials sensitised the villagers about ending caste practices. Sujata Nayak from the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights confirmed that parents consented to send children to the centre starting February 16, 2026. Ms. Sethy expressed relief, saying, "I am happy that the matter is resolved. I will try my best to serve the children and women." Congress president and Rajya Sabha leader Mallikarjun Kharge had raised concerns over caste discrimination in the incident, calling it unacceptable in the 21st century. The district administration initially faced resistance but succeeded after villagers understood the harm to children's education. Kalpana Mallik from the Odisha State Commission for Women said discussions helped end opposition based on caste. Nuagaon sarpanch Sailendra Mishra described the conflict as an isolated case, emphasizing the village’s unity. Villager Gobardhan Pradhan said, "We have forgotten the dispute of the past. We will no more oppose the Dalit anganwadi helper’s engagement at the centre." The anganwadi centre will reopen on February 16, restoring essential services to children and pregnant women in the village of 450 people.