Bhubaneswar, Oct. 19 -- An Anganwadi centre in Odisha's Sambalpur district has remained closed for seven days following a dispute over the appointment of a worker. This has left 13 children without access to education and nutritious cooked meals.

The centre, located in Rayil village under Ghosaramal panchayat in Naktideul block, was locked by villagers protesting the recruitment decision. The closure disrupted educational activities and the provision of meals to the children.

Ubha Rani Bada was appointed as the Anganwadi worker on October 6. However, villagers questioned the appointment of a tribal woman from another village. They claimed that an eligible woman from their own village was overlooked.

"I had applied for the post, and my ...