Odisha to Appoint ‘Sishu Sevikas’ in Govt Pre-Primary Classes

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced its decision to appoint ‘Sishu Sevikas’ (childcare assistants) in Sishu Vatikas—pre-primary classrooms established in government-run primary schools across the state.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the move with the aim of reducing the non-academic workload of schoolteachers, the state government said in an official statement issued on Sunday.

According to the decision, Sishu Sevikas will be paid salaries equivalent to those of midday meal cooks currently engaged in schools. The expenses for their remuneration will be met from funds allocated under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme.

The state has introduced Sishu Vatikas in around 45,000 government-run primary schools from the current academic session to provide structured pre-school education for children aged 5 to 6 years.

Depending on student enrolment, one or more Sishu Sevikas will be appointed in each Sishu Vatika to support early childhood education and assist with daily classroom responsibilities.