Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) are a significant initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities for girls from marginalized communities across India. However, a recent evaluation conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has revealed a number of critical challenges that threaten the very purpose for which these schools were established.
One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the report is the lack of transparency in the utilization of funds. Despite substantial financial resources allocated to the KGBVs, discrepancies exist in how these funds are being used at the grassroots level. Delays in fund disbursement and improper allocation have led to underutilization in several states. For instance, while the allocated funds for the year 2021-22 amounted to Rs 246,657.25 lakhs, only 76% were utilized, indicating inconsistency and inefficiency. This lack of transparency hinders the effective implementation of programs designed to improve the educational environment in KGBVs. Stakeholders are calling for more stringent monitoring and accountability measures to ensure that the allocated resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Infrastructure deficiencies remain a significant challenge across many KGBVs. The NCERT report reveals that many of these schools operate in substandard conditions, with a large number housed in rented or partially constructed buildings. Specifically, 117 KGBVs currently function from rented premises, while 592 operate from partially constructed buildings. This issue is particularly pronounced in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Tripura, where infrastructure development has lagged behind. The poor infrastructure extends beyond physical buildings, encompassing a lack of essential facilities like laboratories and separate rooms for various functions. Only 42% of the KGBVs have a separate room, and a mere 28% have laboratories, crucial for providing a well-rounded education to students. This severe lack of facilities compromises the quality of education and undermines the learning experience for the students.
Teacher shortages and low salaries are another critical concern plaguing KGBVs. The report indicates that a significant number of teaching positions remain vacant across several states, including Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. The shortage of teachers is compounded by the fact that the majority of those employed are on contractual terms, with only about 10% being regular teachers. This results in a high turnover rate, further destabilizing the teaching environment. Moreover, the low salaries offered to teachers have been a significant deterrent to attracting qualified professionals to these schools. With 85% of teachers on contractual agreements, there is little job security or motivation for long-term commitment, crucial for maintaining continuity in the students’ education. The report also notes that 58% of teachers do not reside on campus, leading to longer commutes and less engagement with the residential nature of the schools, a critical aspect of the KGBV model.
Student safety remains a paramount concern, particularly given the residential nature of KGBVs. The NCERT report highlights alarming issues related to the safety and security of the girl students. Many KGBVs are located in isolated areas, far from main settlements, making them vulnerable to various risks. In one case, a KGBV was found to be located near a cremation ground, raising serious concerns about the suitability of the location for a residential school for young girls. Inadequate boundary walls and fencing exacerbate safety concerns. While 212 KGBVs have some form of boundary, many are either too low or incomplete, leaving the schools exposed to external threats. Although CCTV cameras have been installed in 219 KGBVs, this measure alone is insufficient to ensure the safety of the students. The lack of proper sewage and garbage disposal systems also poses health hazards, particularly concerning in a residential school setting.
The evaluation report also points to the low utilization of funds as a significant issue. Over the years, there has been a pattern of underutilization, with only 32.57% of allocated funds being used in the 2019-20 fiscal year. This trend has been somewhat mitigated in recent years, with 76% of funds utilized in 2021-22. However, the inconsistency in fund utilization remains a concern, particularly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Telangana, and Tripura, which have either underutilized or overutilized funds, necessitating further investigation.
Wardens play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of KGBVs. However, the report reveals significant issues related to warden positions and accommodation. Approximately 50% of wardens have less than five years of experience, indicating a high turnover rate. This high attrition is often due to poor working conditions, including the inability to stay with family members on campus. Only 16% of wardens have the privilege of staying with their families, while the majority are forced to live alone, contributing to their dissatisfaction and subsequent departure from the role. The absence of stable and experienced wardens has a direct impact on the management of the schools and the well-being of the students. In many cases, the responsibilities of the wardens are being carried out by teachers, special officers, or caretakers, which is far from ideal given the demanding nature of the role.
The provision of basic amenities in KGBVs is another area of concern. The report indicates that only 83% of KGBVs provide free sanitary napkins to students, despite this being a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, only 50% of KGBVs have sanitary napkin vending machines, and of those, only 61% are functional. The lack of proper sanitary facilities is a significant issue, as it directly affects the health and hygiene of the girl students. Additionally, most KGBVs lack proper sewage, drainage, and garbage disposal systems. The report highlights instances where sewage overflow is a common occurrence, and local authorities take months to address the issue. In many KGBVs, garbage is simply dumped in the backyard and occasionally burnt, posing serious health risks to the residents and the surrounding community.
The NCERT report paints a concerning picture of the challenges facing KGBVs. These issues require immediate attention and decisive action to ensure that these schools fulfill their mandate of providing quality education and a safe environment for girls from marginalized communities. Addressing these concerns is critical to the success and sustainability of the KGBV program and its contribution to the educational landscape of India.
