NEW DELHI, July 30, 2024 – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a detailed report on Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV), revealing critical issues facing these residential schools for girls from marginalized communities. The “NCERT report on KGBV schools-2022-23” calls for immediate action to address problems in teacher retention, infrastructure, and vocational training programs.
NCERT Report on KGBV Schools
Teacher Shortage and Retention Issues
The NCERT report on KGBV schools highlights a significant lack of permanent teachers:
- Only 19% of teachers are regular, full-time staff
- Most teachers are on short-term contracts
- Just 3% have over 15 years of experience
High teacher turnover is linked to low wages, job insecurity, and remote school locations. To address this, the report recommends increasing salaries to Rs 35,750 for postgraduate teachers and Rs 34,125 for trained graduate teachers in normal areas, with higher pay for difficult locations.
Infrastructure and Facility Shortcomings
Many KGBV schools face serious infrastructure problems:
- Only 54.7% of wardens replace beddings every three years as required
- Insufficient classrooms, libraries, and laboratories
- Lack of permanent cooking spaces in some schools
- Inadequate sewage and waste management systems
The NCERT report on KGBV schools emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students.
Gender-Biased Vocational Programs
Current vocational training in KGBV schools often reinforces gender stereotypes:
- Programs focus on traditionally feminine skills like stitching and knitting
- Limited alignment with current market demands
The report calls for a revamp of vocational training to include more diverse and economically valuable skills, breaking away from traditional gender roles.
Funding Utilization and Allocation Challenges
The NCERT report on KGBV schools reveals issues with fund utilization:
- Only 56.62% of recurring funds were used in 2020-21
- Highest utilization was 73.01% in 2018-19
Recommendations include:
- States should release the first installment of funds by May 1
- Second installment within 45 days
- Increase per-student allocation for better food and facilities
KGBV Schools
The KGBV scheme, part of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, was established in 2004 to support girls from marginalized communities in educationally backward regions. As of 2023:
- 5,654 KGBV schools sanctioned
- 4,986 functional
- 668 non-functional
- 6.9 lakh girls enrolled in Classes 6-12
Impact
The NCERT report on KGBV schools provides a roadmap for addressing critical issues:
- Improving teacher retention
- Upgrading infrastructure
- Diversifying vocational training
- Ensuring timely and adequate funding
Implementation of these recommendations could significantly enhance the quality of education and living conditions in KGBV schools, aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The comprehensive NCERT report on KGBV schools highlights the urgent need for reforms in girls’ education, particularly for marginalized communities. Stakeholders, including government bodies, educators, and local communities, must collaborate to implement these recommendations and secure a better future for girls in India’s educationally backward regions.
For more details, access the full NCERT report on KGBV schools on the official NCERT website.
News:
- Noida Schools and Colleges Closed August 2 for Local Holiday Due to Kanwar Yatra
- Kerala School Closed Due to Rain: Heavy Rains, Landslides Hit Multiple Districts
- Noida Holiday Extension: Schools, Colleges, & Government Offices Closed Until August 2 for Kanwar Yatra
- Delhi Mega PTM: Education Minister Atishi Boosts Parent Teacher Collaboration in Government and MCD Schools
- Kerala Bag Free Days Initiative Transforms Students Life In Kerala Schools: initiative for Class 1 to 12 students, starting 2024-2025 academic year
- Online Monitoring in UP Board Schools: Pilot Project Launched for Government Inter Colleges in Noida
