NCERT HIGHLIGHTS SHORTFALLS IN KASTURBA GANDHI SCHOOLS

Why in the news?

NCERT’s report reveals major issues in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, including infrastructure problems, teacher shortages, and safety concerns, impacting the education of enrolled girls.

NCERT HIGHLIGHTS SHORTFALLS IN KASTURBA GANDHI SCHOOLS - UPSCsource:researchgate

Evaluation Findings:

  • NCERT Report: The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) identified several issues in its evaluation of 254 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs).
  • Challenges Noted: The report highlights lack of transparency in fund utilisation, weak infrastructure, teacher shortages, low salaries, and safety concerns.

Status of KGBVs:

  • Functionality: Out of 5,639 approved KGBVs, 4,260 are fully functional, 799 are partially functional, and 580 are completely non-functional as of June 30, 2023.
  • Non-Functional KGBVs: States with higher numbers of non-functional KGBVs include Bihar (132), Andhra Pradesh (88), Jammu & Kashmir (84), Uttar Pradesh (78), and Odisha (76).
  • Reasons for Non-Functionality: Issues include non-completion of construction, land disputes, delays in site selection, fund approval, and staffing.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Scheme:

Objective:

  • Provide educational facilities for girls from SC, ST, OBC, minority communities, and BPL families in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs).
  • Offer free boarding, lodging, books, stationery, and uniforms.

Scheme Details:

  • Launched: July 2004
  • Integration: Merged with Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) from April 1, 2008.
  • Focus: Residential upper primary schools for girls in EBBs where rural female literacy is below the national average and gender literacy gap is above average.
  • Reservation: 75% seats for SC, ST girls; 25% for BPL families.

Implementation Exclusions:

  • Not implemented in Andaman & Nicobar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Daman & Diu, Goa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Sikkim.
  • Revised criteria from April 1, 2008, to include additional 304 EBBs and 94 minority concentration towns/cities.