In a significant policy decision aimed at strengthening early childhood education, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the appointment of ‘Sishu Sebikas’ (childcare assistants) in pre-primary classes (Sishu Vatikas) across government schools.
The initiative is expected to ease the burden of non-teaching tasks on school teachers and improve the quality of education for children aged 5–6 years.
Under the National Education Policy, Odisha has already operationalised Sishu Vatikas in around 45,000 government primary schools from the current academic session. The introduction of Sishu Sebikas is seen as a key step to support teachers in managing younger children more effectively in classrooms.
The Sishu Sebikas will assist with non-academic duties, such as helping children with hygiene, feeding, toilet use, and classroom engagement. Their role will also include supervising children to ensure safety, calming distressed students, distributing learning materials and toys, and informing teachers if any child is unwell or emotionally disturbed. However, they will not be involved in teaching or disciplining the children, nor will they be permitted to administer medication.
These assistants will be paid on par with school cooks (pachikas) and their wages will be sourced from the Samagra Shiksha budget. The appointment of Sishu Sebikas will be based on student enrolment and need, determined through situational assessments conducted across various schools.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this move will allow teachers to focus solely on teaching, thereby enhancing the quality of foundational education in the state.
Key responsibilities of Sishu Sebikas include:
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Ensuring children remain safely inside the classroom.
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Helping with handwashing, eating, toilet use, and seating arrangements.
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Comforting crying or distressed children.
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Distributing educational materials like books and toys.
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Accompanying children during outdoor visits or toilet breaks.
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Reporting illnesses or behavioral concerns to teachers.
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Maintaining a daily note on each child’s well-being.
The government has clearly stated that Sishu Sebikas will not be responsible for classroom teaching and are strictly prohibited from using corporal punishment or scolding children.
