Pune anganwadi worker's dismissal revoked after apology and public outcry

The Pune Zilla Parishad on Friday revoked the termination of a tribal Anganwadi worker, Reshma alias Devyani Pardhi, who had been dismissed earlier this month for posting social media videos that highlighted the poor quality of foodgrains supplied to children at her centre. The decision came after Ms. Pardhi submitted an apology and following an outcry from opposition parties and the public.

Ms. Pardhi, who has worked for 18 years at the Anganwadi in Numberwadi in Ambegaon taluka, had circulated reels showing white dried peas which she claimed remained uncooked even after pressure cooking for up to 10 whistles. She said children were refusing to eat the food and that parents had lodged complaints. She had called on the government to take action over the quality of supplies.

The termination order was issued on August 14, triggering strong reactions. The administration, however, reversed its decision on Friday, stating that it was based on Ms. Pardhi’s written apology and her assurance that she would not repeat the conduct.

Gajanan Patil, CEO of Pune Zilla Parishad, told The Hindu, “The decision has nothing to do with the media coverage. The action was taken against her on the basis of her behaviour where she repeatedly published reels during class hours. She has apologised and she has said she will not do this again. There is a system which is to be followed. If you have any concerns, you are supposed to raise it in writing to your immediate superior. We will also verify about her concerns.”

In her two-page handwritten apology letter, Ms. Pardhi stated, “My only intention was that the small children should get healthy, nutritious and quality food, so their health remains well. I apologise if this has led to any indiscipline or breaking error about using the social media. If my action has led to any misunderstanding about the functioning of the department, I express regret about it.”

Speaking to the media, Ms. Pardhi said she had not spoken against the government. “I have only raised concerns regarding students’ health and welfare,” she said. She has been asked to report any future concerns in writing to her immediate superiors.

Madhavi Sardeshmukh, Commissioner of ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services Scheme), said there were previous complaints against the worker and that the action was taken much before the matter came to light publicly. She noted that Ms. Pardhi had been warned earlier against making reels during working hours. However, Ms. Sardeshmukh also confirmed that the process of replacing white peas with green peas had been taken up last month, with procurement completed and distribution expected to start from next week.

The episode has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. NCP (SP) Lok Sabha member Amol Kolhe termed the disciplinary action “extremely unfortunate”, saying, “This is a classic case of letting the thief go free while punishing the innocent.” NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar took to social media to rebuke the state government for issuing a suspension notice to Ms. Pardhi instead of targeting the suppliers.

The case underscores the difficulties faced by frontline anganwadi workers in raising concerns through official channels, as well as the need for a robust grievance redressal mechanism to ensure the quality and safety of nutrition provided to children under the ICDS programme.