Odisha to appoint “Sishu Sevikas” in Pre-Primary classes to reduce Teachers’ workload.

The Odisha government has decided to appoint Sishu Sevikas (childcare assistants) in Sishu Batikas (pre-primary classes) across the state to ease the non-academic workload of teachers, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced today. These assistants will support young children in kindergartens and take care of non-teaching responsibilities, allowing teachers to focus solely on academic activities.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the initiative would significantly enhance the quality of pre-primary education in the state.

As per the new National Education Policy, Sishu Batikas have been established in 45,000 government primary schools across Odisha starting this academic year. These centres provide pre-primary education to children aged 5 to 6. The number of children enrolled in each Sishu Batika will be determined based on local needs, according to official sources.

Meanwhile, CM Majhi has emphasised that stewardship of small children in classrooms is a significant task. Entrusting this responsibility entirely to teachers, he said, hampers the teaching process. A state-wide study conducted in various Sishu Batikas has revealed the need for Sishu Sevikas to assist teachers with non-instructional duties.

According to the government’s decision, Sishu Sevikas will be paid at the same rate as the cooks employed in government schools. Their remuneration will be drawn from the education budget.

The primary responsibilities of Sishu Sevikas would include:

• Ensuring children stay safely within the classroom and do not wander off.
• Assisting children in sanitisations, eating, using the toilet, and sitting properly in class.
• Comforting a crying and misbehaving child.
• Providing books, toys, and other educational materials.
• Accompanying children if they leave the classroom or go to the toilet.
• Notifying the teacher if a child is sick, upset, or emotionally distressed.
• Preparing a short daily report on each child’s activities and behaviour.

Under no circumstances will Sishu Sevikas be allowed to take on teaching duties, scold, or punish children. They are also not authorized to administer medicine or provide any form of medical treatment, officials clarified.

Team Maverick