Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Anganwadi Worker Reinstated After Uncookable Food Quality Row
Reshma Pardhi works at an anganwadi, where children receive meals.
She posted a video saying some yellow peas and other grains were too hard to cook.
She said children had stomach aches after eating the food and then stopped eating it.
Officials asked her to explain why she posted the video.
They dismissed her after saying the video damaged the state government’s image.
Opposition politicians said she was punished for pointing out a food problem.
A ruling-party MLA also said similar complaints had been made elsewhere in Maharashtra.
After the criticism, Pune Zilla Parishad gave Pardhi her job back.
The earlier dismissal order was cancelled.
Reshma Pardhi was dismissed after posting a video alleging yellow peas supplied for children’s meals would not cook properly.
She said children suffered stomach aches after eating the food and later refused to consume it.
Pune Zilla Parishad said the dismissal was disciplinary and alleged that Pardhi’s video tarnished the state government’s image.
Opposition leaders criticised the dismissal, while MLA Dilip Walse Patil acknowledged similar food-quality complaints in other parts of Maharashtra.
Pune Zilla Parishad reinstated Pardhi on August 21 and cancelled the earlier termination order after political backlash.
- Who
- Reshma Pardhi, a tribal anganwadi worker; Pune Zilla Parishad; and Maharashtra political leaders.
- What
- Pardhi was dismissed after posting a video about allegedly uncookable foodgrains and was later reinstated.
- When
- She submitted her explanation on July 31, was dismissed on August 17, and was reinstated on August 21.
- Where
- An anganwadi in Ambegaon tehsil, Pune district, Maharashtra.
- Why
- Authorities described the dismissal as disciplinary and said the video tarnished the state government’s image, while critics said Pardhi was raising a legitimate food-quality concern.
Critics and Worker
Authorities’ Account
Whether Pardhi should have been dismissed
Critics and Worker
Opposition leaders said Pardhi was targeted for exposing a food-supply problem and should have been commended rather than terminated; they argued that suppliers should face scrutiny.
Authorities’ Account
Pune Zilla Parishad said the termination was a disciplinary measure and alleged that Pardhi’s video tarnished the state government’s image.
Extent of the food-quality problem
Critics and Worker
Pardhi and opposition leaders raised concerns about the quality of food supplied to children and cited alleged problems in other locations, including Junnar taluka.
Authorities’ Account
Dilip Walse Patil said procurement was handled at the commissioner or state level and indicated that the matter should be taken up with the responsible secretary and minister.
Reason for reinstatement
Critics and Worker
Opposition backlash and demands for accountability preceded Pardhi’s reinstatement and cancellation of the termination order.
Authorities’ Account
The reinstatement order said Pardhi had appealed to the government and submitted an apology for her mistakes after being terminated on disciplinary grounds.
- Worker
- Reshma Pardhi, a tribal anganwadi worker from Ambegaon tehsil.
- Reported food problem
- Pardhi alleged that yellow peas and other coarsely ground grains were difficult to cook.
- Reported effects on children
- She said children experienced stomach aches after eating the food and subsequently refused it.
- Explanation submitted
- Pardhi submitted a written explanation on July 31, saying she had acted with good intentions.
- Dismissal date
- August 17.
- Reinstatement date
- August 21.
- Reinstating authority
- Pune Zilla Parishad.
- Related allegations
- Amol Kolhe cited an alleged incident involving adulterated turmeric and chilli powder in Junnar taluka.
