Bhubaneswar, Jul 7: The Odisha government has approved the creation of 7,234 teaching posts for Shishu Vatika (pre-primary) classes across the state, marking a significant step towards strengthening early childhood education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Shishu Vatika classes were introduced in Odisha from the previous academic year to ensure that children transition smoothly from Anganwadi centres to formal schooling. Instead of enrolling directly into Class I, children now begin their educational journey through Shishu Vatika. The programme has been rolled out in nearly 45,000 government primary schools across the state.
Initially, the government appointed Shishu Sebikas (childcare assistants) to provide care and support to young learners. Now, to enhance classroom teaching and learning, the Finance Department has sanctioned 7,234 dedicated teacher posts for these pre-primary classes.
The move aims to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) by focusing on the cognitive development and foundational learning of children. In a letter to the Director of Elementary Education, the Finance Department confirmed that recruitment will be carried out across all districts.
Each teacher appointed under the programme will receive a monthly remuneration of Rs 26,200. The state will spend approximately Rs 227.43 crore annually from the Samagra Shiksha fund to support these appointments.
The Finance Department has also laid down strict financial guidelines for implementing the programme. It stated that all expenditure must remain within the approved budget and follow the norms of the Samagra Shiksha scheme. Any expenditure beyond the sanctioned amount will require prior government approval.
Recruitment of teachers will be carried out in accordance with the government's prescribed guidelines. The Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA) will monitor the recruitment process, utilisation of funds, and implementation of the scheme, while submitting periodic reports to ensure transparency and compliance.
Under the NEP 2020 framework, Shishu Vatika classes have now been introduced in around 45,000 government primary schools to provide pre-primary education to children aged five to six years. During the previous academic year, 3,10,839 children were enrolled in these classes.
To ensure proper care for young learners, the government has already appointed Shishu Sebikas. Schools with 30 to 100 children are provided with one childcare assistant, while schools with more than 100 children are entitled to appoint two childcare assistants.
