Utkal Balashram Nayagarh Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 07 Cook, House Father and Other Posts

Utkal Balashram Nayagarh, a government-run Children Home operated under the Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, has announced recruitment for 07 contractual positions under Mission Vatsalya scheme. This recruitment aims to strengthen the institutional care framework for children in need of care and protection, ensuring they receive comprehensive support, nurturing, and opportunities for holistic development. The positions encompass administrative, educational, caregiving, and operational roles, all crucial for creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where vulnerable children can heal, grow, and prepare for successful futures. Working at Utkal Balashram offers professionals a meaningful opportunity to make lasting positive impacts on the lives of disadvantaged children while contributing to social welfare objectives.

About Mission Vatsalya and Utkal Balashram

Mission Vatsalya is a centrally sponsored flagship scheme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, designed to secure a healthy and happy childhood for every child in the country. The scheme focuses on children in difficult circumstances, providing institutional and non-institutional care, ensuring child protection, promoting family-based care, and securing healthy development. Utkal Balashram Nayagarh operates as a Children Home under this scheme, providing residential care to children orphaned, abandoned, or from families unable to provide care due to various socio-economic circumstances. The institution provides shelter, nutritious food, clothing, education, healthcare, counseling, skill development, recreational activities, and emotional support to resident children. The dedicated staff work round-the-clock to create a nurturing, family-like atmosphere, helping children overcome trauma, build confidence, acquire education and life skills, and eventually reintegrate into society as capable, responsible citizens. The home maintains strict child protection protocols, emphasizes child participation in decision-making, and focuses on holistic development addressing physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs.

Position Details and Responsibilities

The recruitment covers diverse roles essential for comprehensive child care operations. The Store Keeper-cum-Accountant position involves maintaining stock registers of food grains, provisions, clothing, medicines, stationery, and other supplies, preparing indent requirements, verifying deliveries, maintaining accounts of receipts and expenditures, preparing financial reports, assisting in budget preparation, and ensuring transparency in procurement and utilization. This role requires meticulous record-keeping, numerical aptitude, and integrity. The PT Instructor-cum-Yoga Teacher position entails conducting physical training sessions, teaching yoga and meditation, organizing sports and games activities, ensuring physical fitness of children, imparting values of sportsmanship and teamwork, and maintaining sports equipment. This role requires physical fitness, knowledge of sports and yoga, and ability to motivate children. House Mother and House Father positions involve providing parental care to resident children, supervising daily routines including waking up, personal hygiene, meals, study hours, and bedtime, ensuring children's safety and wellbeing, providing emotional support and counseling, maintaining discipline with compassion, coordinating with teachers and counselors, and creating a family-like environment. These critical roles require patience, empathy, maturity, and genuine love for children. Cook positions involve preparing nutritious, hygienic meals as per approved menus, ensuring timely meal service, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, managing kitchen supplies, and adhering to food safety standards. Helper-cum-Night Watchman positions combine assistance in daily operations with night security duties, ensuring children's safety during nighttime, maintaining vigilance, and performing cleaning and maintenance tasks.

Qualification Requirements

Educational qualifications vary based on position requirements and responsibilities. For the Store Keeper-cum-Accountant post, candidates should possess a postgraduate degree or MBA in Finance/Accounts/Commerce from a recognized university, along with proficiency in accounting, computer applications, and inventory management. For the PT Instructor-cum-Yoga Teacher position, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) or equivalent qualification with certification in yoga instruction. Knowledge of sports coaching methodologies and first aid will be advantageous. For House Mother and House Father positions, candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Arts or Science, preferably with some background in psychology, social work, or education. Life experience, emotional maturity, and aptitude for child care are as important as formal education for these roles. For Cook positions, candidates should have completed Under-Matric (Class VII or VIII) or possess equivalent qualification along with proven cooking skills and experience in institutional cooking. For Helper-cum-Night Watchman positions, the minimum qualification is typically Class VII or Class X pass. All educational certificates must be from recognized boards or universities. In addition to formal qualifications, relevant experience in similar institutions, child care facilities, hostels, or NGOs working with children will be given preference during selection.

Age Limits and Relaxations

Age criteria are designed to ensure candidates possess adequate maturity and capability for working with vulnerable children. While the official notification will specify exact age limits for each position, typically the range is between 21 and 45 years, with some positions allowing up to 50 or 55 years considering the nature of responsibilities. The minimum age of 21 years ensures sufficient maturity for handling sensitive child care responsibilities. Age relaxations are provided as per Government of Odisha and Government of India norms for reserved categories including SC/ST candidates (typically 5 years), SEBC/OBC candidates (typically 3 years), and Persons with Disabilities (typically 10 years). Women candidates may receive additional relaxations for certain positions. Ex-servicemen receive relaxations as per applicable rules. Candidates claiming age relaxation benefits must submit valid certificates from competent authorities in prescribed formats. Age will be calculated as on the closing date of application (16th February 2026), and candidates should carefully verify their eligibility before applying.

Remuneration and Benefits

Remuneration for all positions will be paid as per the norms prescribed under Mission Vatsalya scheme by the Women & Child Development Department, Government of Odisha. The honorarium/salary structure is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and responsibilities. Store Keeper-cum-Accountant positions typically receive higher remuneration given their professional qualifications and financial responsibilities. PT Instructor-cum-Yoga Teacher positions receive adequate compensation reflecting their specialized skills. House Mother and House Father positions, given their crucial round-the-clock responsibilities and residential nature, receive appropriate compensation packages. Cook and Helper positions receive salaries aligned with their qualification levels and duties. In addition to monthly remuneration, staff may receive benefits such as residential accommodation within the institution premises (mandatory for House Parents and Night Watchmen), subsidized meals during duty hours, leave entitlements as per government rules for contractual employees, and statutory compliance with labor regulations. The positions offer the intangible reward of meaningful work contributing to child welfare and social development, along with opportunities for professional growth in the child care sector.

Dual Application Process - Online and Offline

Candidates must complete both online and offline application procedures to be considered for selection. First, candidates should visit the official website of Nayagarh district at nayagarh.odisha.gov.in and locate the recruitment notification for Utkal Balashram. The notification will contain a link to the Google Form for online application. Candidates must click this link and fill the Google Form carefully with accurate information including personal details (name, father's/husband's name, date of birth, gender), contact information (mobile number, email ID, permanent address, present address), educational qualifications (examination passed, board/university, year, percentage), work experience details if any, post applied for, category (General/SC/ST/SEBC), and whether claiming any reservation. After completing all fields, candidates should submit the form and take a screenshot or note the submission confirmation for future reference. Simultaneously, candidates must prepare a physical application containing the same information in typed or clear handwritten format on A4 paper. A recent passport-size color photograph should be pasted and signed across. Self-attested photocopies of all supporting documents must be attached including educational certificates and mark sheets, date of birth certificate, caste certificate if applicable, domicile certificate, Aadhaar card, experience certificates if any, and any specialized training certificates. This complete offline application packet should be placed in an envelope marked "Application for the post of ______ at Utkal Balashram, Nayagarh" and sent via registered post to: The Superintendent, Utkal Balashram, Nayagarh - 752069, Odisha. Alternatively, applications can be submitted in person at the institution office during working hours. Both online and offline applications must be completed by 16th February 2026 before 5:00 PM. Candidates completing only one mode of application will not be considered.

Selection Process

The selection methodology will be comprehensive, fair, and transparent, designed to identify candidates with appropriate qualifications, skills, and temperament for child care work. All applications received through both online and offline modes will be verified for consistency and completeness. Applications will undergo initial screening to check eligibility regarding qualifications, age, documentation, and submission of both online and offline applications. Eligible candidates will be shortlisted and notified about subsequent selection stages via email, SMS, or phone calls. The selection process may include a written test assessing general knowledge, awareness of child rights and protection, basic accounting and administration (for relevant posts), understanding of child psychology and development, and problem-solving abilities in child care scenarios. For the PT Instructor position, a practical demonstration of physical training techniques and yoga instruction may be conducted. For Cook positions, a practical cooking test assessing culinary skills, hygiene practices, and ability to prepare nutritious meals may be organized. Personal interviews will be conducted for all shortlisted candidates by a selection committee comprising officials from the Women & Child Development Department, the Superintendent of Utkal Balashram, child welfare experts, and possibly district administration representatives. The interview will assess communication skills, understanding of child care principles, empathy and patience with children, ability to handle difficult situations, alignment with institutional values, and overall suitability for the position. Special emphasis will be placed on assessing candidates' genuine motivation for child welfare work rather than just employment. The final merit list will be prepared based on cumulative scores from all selection components, with appropriate weightage given to qualifications, experience, test performance, and interview assessment. Reservation policies for SC/ST/SEBC candidates as per Odisha government norms will be followed. Selected candidates will undergo police verification and medical examination before final appointment.

Contract Terms and Conditions

These positions are purely temporary and contractual in nature, created under the Mission Vatsalya scheme for the operational period of the project. The initial contract will typically be for one year, renewable annually based on satisfactory performance, conduct, and continued funding under the scheme. The engagement does not confer any right to regularization or permanent employment with the Government of Odisha. Selected candidates will execute a formal contract agreement specifying all terms and conditions, duties and responsibilities, working hours, code of conduct, confidentiality clauses, and termination provisions. House Mother, House Father, and Helper-cum-Night Watchman positions are residential in nature, requiring staff to live on institution premises and be available round-the-clock for emergencies and child care needs. Other positions may also require extended working hours beyond normal office timings as per institutional requirements. All staff must maintain strict confidentiality regarding children's personal information, family backgrounds, and institutional matters. Staff are expected to adhere to child protection policies, which include strict prohibition of corporal punishment, abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), discrimination, favoritism, or any behavior detrimental to children's wellbeing. Staff must treat children with dignity, respect, and affection, acting always in the best interests of the child. The contract may be terminated with one month's notice by either party or immediately in case of serious misconduct, negligence, breach of child protection norms, or unsatisfactory performance. The institution management reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the recruitment based on scheme guidelines or administrative decisions.

Important Guidelines and Child Protection

Candidates must understand the sensitive nature of working with vulnerable children and the stringent standards expected. Only candidates with genuine passion for child welfare, patience, empathy, and ethical values should apply. Mandatory police verification will be conducted for all selected candidates to ensure they have no criminal records, particularly related to offenses against children, women, or moral turpitude. Any adverse findings in police verification will result in immediate rejection. Medical fitness is essential, and selected candidates must produce health certificates from registered medical practitioners certifying fitness for child care duties and absence of communicable diseases. All staff will undergo orientation training on child rights, child protection, child psychology, institutional care standards, and Mission Vatsalya guidelines before assuming duties. Staff must sign a declaration committing to uphold child rights and protection norms. Any violation of child protection protocols, abuse of authority, misconduct with children, or actions prejudicial to children's interests will result in immediate termination and possible legal action. Candidates currently employed must produce relieving certificates before joining; No Objection Certificates are not sufficient. Providing false information, submitting fake documents, or suppressing material facts will lead to cancellation of candidature or termination of services if discovered later. Canvassing through any means will result in disqualification. The selection committee's decision will be final and binding. No TA/DA will be paid for attending selection tests or interviews. For queries, candidates may contact the Superintendent's office during working hours or refer to the official Nayagarh district website for updates and notifications.