Kendrapara: In Odisha’s Kendrapara district, a storm of controversy surrounds government-sponsored welfare programs meant to nourish the most vulnerable—pregnant women and young children. Allegations of worm-infested sattu (Chhatua in Odia - a nutritional supplement) have surfaced, raising serious questions about negligence, corruption, and the lack of accountability in welfare distribution. Beneficiaries allege the system does not prioritize their well-being.
The Complaints: Worms in Sattu packets
The scandal first broke during the Vikas Mela, a district-level development fair held in Marsaghai block to commemorate the government’s 100th day in office. Beneficiaries from Jalapok panchayat reported shocking incidents of worm-infested food supplies. Among them, Damayanti Maharana of Kanibanka village recounted, “The packet given to us by the Anganwadi worker was full of worms. My 2-year-old daughter ate it unknowingly and began vomiting. The doctor confirmed the illness was caused by contaminated food.”
Other complaints included worm-ridden chickpeas and discrepancies in the packaging of sattu. “The date on the packets often does not match the date of distribution. These supplies, unfit for human consumption, are poisoning our children instead of nourishing them,” said Damayanti.
The issue is not limited to food supplies. Provided under welfare schemes, these nutritional supplements have drawn severe criticism. Daily complaints allege worm infestations and substandard quality, raising concerns about how such materials pass quality checks. With 14 companies involved in blanket production for the district, lapses in oversight appear rampant.
Substandard Supplies: A Systemic Failure
According to social worker Bidhubhushan Mohapatra, the problem stems from a deeper issue: the outsourcing of sattu preparation to groups allegedly run by mafias in the guise of self-help groups (SHGs). “Instead of including essential ingredients like wheat, gram, and almonds, these groups are using cheaper substitutes like rice. The result is a product that is not only nutritionally inadequate but also hazardous to health,” he said.
Blankets, too, have come under scrutiny. The lack of proper inspection has led to the distribution of poor-quality materials. “The sattu packs supposed to be nutritious are riddled with worms, making them a health risk for children and mothers alike,” said Mohapatra.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s Response
When confronted with these allegations during her August visit to Kendrapara, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida had promised swift action. After attending a programme at Kendrapara Autonomous College, the CM assured, “This question was raised in the assembly during session and a lot of discussions were held on this. The government will not tolerate any compromise on the quality of food provided to children and pregnant women. We are tracking these suppliers and will ensure accountability,” she said.
However, four months later, no concrete steps have reportedly been taken to address the issue. Beneficiaries and social workers alike express frustration over the delay, viewing it as an indication of systemic apathy.