Pune ZP Reinstates Ambegaon Anganwadi Worker Sacked Over Food Quality Video
The Pune Zilla Parishad on Friday reinstated Reshma Pardhi, a tribal anganwadi worker from Ambegaon tehsil, days after sacking her for posting a social media video highlighting substandard foodgrains supplied for children's mid-day meals.
Pardhi was terminated on August 17 following a video she shared in July. In the video, she claimed that yellow peas provided for children's meals failed to soften even after extensive pressure cooking. She alleged that children suffered stomach aches after eating the food and subsequently refused to eat it, while also pointing out that other coarsely ground grains were similarly uncookable. In her video appeal, Pardhi urged Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe to intervene and inspect the supplies.
The Pune Zilla Parishad had issued a notice seeking an explanation, alleging that the video tarnished the image of the state government. Although Pardhi responded on July 31 stating she had raised the issue in good faith to ensure children received nutritious food, authorities deemed her response unsatisfactory and dismissed her.
The sacking triggered sharp criticism across political lines. Dilip Walse Patil, the ruling NCP MLA representing the Ambegaon assembly constituency, acknowledged that complaints regarding foodgrain quality were not limited to Ambegaon and had surfaced across Maharashtra. He noted that procurement was handled at the state level and assured he would raise the issue with the concerned department.
Opposition leaders also targeted the administration. NCP (SP) Lok Sabha member Amol Kolhe, who represents the Shirur constituency, said the administration was punishing the worker instead of holding suppliers accountable. Kolhe referenced another recent incident in Junnar taluka involving allegedly adulterated turmeric and chilli powder used in children's meals, demanding a state-level inquiry. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar likewise criticised the government for penalising the anganwadi worker.
Following the widespread backlash, the Pune Zilla Parishad issued an order cancelling the earlier dismissal and reinstating Pardhi. The order stated that while she was terminated as a disciplinary measure, she had subsequently filed an appeal before the government and submitted an apology.
