Review Uncovers Critical Shortfalls in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas

The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) face numerous challenges, including a shortage of teachers and trained career counsellors, insufficient funds for mess management, inadequate staff training, and poor facilities. These issues were highlighted in a review conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) of 254 operational KGBVs.

According to the report, there are significant delays and inconsistencies in the release of funds, which affect the daily operations and overall quality of KGBVs. The analysis also showed varied utilisation rates across states, with some states using more than 100% of allocated funds due to adjustments and reallocation.

Funding Discrepancies

The report noted that the allocation increased from Rs 3,02,212.02 lakhs in 2018-19 to Rs 4,08,519.02 lakhs during 2019-20. However, there was a consistent decline throughout the COVID-19 period (2020-21 and 2021-22). The highest utilisation rate was 66.30% in 2021-22, while it was as low as 56.62% in 2020-21.

Another administrative concern raised is faculty recruitment. Most states recruit teachers and staff on a contractual basis, except for Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Odisha. Salaries for teachers, part-time teachers, accountants, and cooks also vary from state to state.

Infrastructure Issues

The review revealed disparities in adhering to infrastructure norms across different states. Some KGBVs are located in isolated areas far from main settlements, roads, and bus stands with poor access roads; one was even found near a cremation ground. Conversely, some are situated in busy marketplaces.

Safety and security are also major concerns. Many KGBVs have boundary walls or fencing that are too low or incomplete. Proper lighting is lacking on many campuses, leaving areas dark and unsafe. Additionally, students and staff often do not have identity cards.

Operational Status

As of June 30, 2023, there were 5,639 approved KGBVs: 4,260 fully functional, 799 partially functional, and 580 completely non-functional. Bihar has the highest number of non-functional schools (132), followed by Andhra Pradesh (88), Jammu and Kashmir (84), Uttar Pradesh (78), and Odisha (76).

The report pointed out that some approved KGBVs are not functional due to incomplete construction, land disputes with other departments, delays in site selection or funds approval, and the approval process for teacher and staff positions.

Scheme Overview

The Centre introduced the KGBV scheme in 2004 to ensure access to quality education for girls from disadvantaged groups. It targets girls belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minority communities, and Below-Poverty Level families in over 3,000 educationally backward blocks where rural female literacy rates were below the national average.

The report also highlighted that few KGBVs maintained a roster for non-resident entries. Biometric attendance systems installed for staff are non-functional in many KGBVs.

The review underscores the need for improved funding mechanisms and better infrastructure to enhance the quality of education provided by KGBVs.