Perspective and Development of Sishu Siksha Kendras in West Bengal

This paper tries to explore the perspective of the establishment of the Sishu Siksha Kendras (SSKs) in West Bengal. An attempt has been made to look into the district wise development of the SSKs from the beginning with special reference to their frequencies, their students and their Sahayikas. To achieve the findings, compiled U -DISE Data from 1997 -98 to 2020 -21 has been taken into account. 'Sishu Siksha Karmasuchi', launched in 1997 -98, is the major scheme of the Panchayat & Rural Development Department to achieve the goal of universalization of primary education. The whole administrative charges along with all the manpower of Paschim Banga Rajya Shishu Shiksha Mission was being transferred from P & RD section to the School EducationDepartment with effect from 01.12.2020.Initially the program was started in 1997 -98 academic session in the four districts of West Bengal namely Bankura, Burdwan, Purba Medinipur and Paschim Medinipur.After that time period, SSKs were in increasing mode till 2016 -17 but after that time period a large number of SSKs has been gradually closed.Leadership of School Education Department has been suggested for capacity building of the SSKs through state, district and panchayat level network.