TV
In a move to strengthen early childhood education, Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Charan Majhi approved the appointment of ‘Sishu Sebikas’ in all Sishu Vatikas (pre-primary classes) of government primary schools across the State, on Sunday.
Also Read; Salary hike for cooks-cum-helpers of Mid-Day Meal scheme announced by Odisha Govt
This initiative aims to ease the non-teaching workload of educators and improve the quality of care for children aged five to six years.
Strengthening pre-primary education
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), Odisha has introduced Sishu Vatikas in nearly 45,000 government primary schools starting this academic year. These foundational classes prepare children for formal schooling, and with rising enrollment, the need for additional classroom support has become increasingly evident.
Sishu Sebikas will play a supportive role in the classroom, helping young children adjust to the learning environment and ensuring their well-being. Their responsibilities will include:
• Supervising children to ensure they remain safely in the classroom.
• Assisting with hand washing, eating, toileting, and classroom routines.
• Comforting children who cry or struggle to adapt.
• Providing access to books, toys, and other learning materials.
• Escorting children when they need to leave the classroom.
• Alerting teachers to any signs of illness, distress, or unusual behaviour.
• Maintaining a daily record of each child’s behaviour and activities.
Importantly, Sishu Sebikas will not engage in teaching, disciplining, or administering medical care. They are strictly prohibited from giving medicines or punishing children in any form.
A recent study across Sishu Vatikas revealed that teachers are frequently burdened with caregiving and logistical tasks, which detract from their core teaching responsibilities. By appointing Sishu Sebikas, the State government aims to address this gap, allowing teachers to focus entirely on instruction while ensuring children receive attentive care.
Chief Minister Majhi expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance the holistic development of pre-primary education in the State.
Sishu Sebikas will receive a monthly honorarium equivalent to that of school-based cooks (Pachikas), funded through Samagra Shiksha budget—India’s integrated school education scheme.
This policy marks a major step forward in Odisha’s commitment to creating nurturing and inclusive learning environments for its youngest students.
