Mahadalit families allege bias in uniform distribution at Sasaram Anganwadi centre

Sasaram: Residents of Sirisiya Mahadalit Tola staged a protest at the Kargahar block office in Sasaram, Rohtas district, on Thursday, alleging discrimination and intimidation by officials over a dispute involving distribution of uniforms at a local Anganwadi centre.

According to the protesters, parents were called to the centre on May 18, asked to sign distribution registers, and given uniforms for 14 children enrolled at the facility. However, they alleged that the next day the children were asked to remove the dresses at school and sent back after officials claimed that they were not officially enrolled.

The issue escalated after it drew media attention. Residents alleged that authorities attempted to dismiss the claims as false and warned families of legal action. The aggrieved families submitted a complaint to the block development officer (BDO) and demanded that the matter be forwarded to the district magistrate.

Baban Musahar, who led the protest, said many residents were unable to file written complaints due to illiteracy, leading to a tense exchange with officials. Protesters accused the administration of humiliating Mahadalit families and said they would approach the SC/ST Commission in Patna if no action is taken.

BDO Ajit Kumar said the child development project office has been operating from a rented building in the market for nearly two months and that the matter falls under the CDPO’s jurisdiction.