The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) stands as a beacon of hope and education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. This residential secondary school, 20 New Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Telangana, administered by the Government of India, has been a cornerstone in the quest to bridge educational gender disparities in rural areas. Let’s delve into the history, objectives, eligibility criteria, and coverage of KGBV, highlighting its vital role in transforming lives.
Director of School Education & Ex-officio State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Hyderabad, has informed that there are 475 Kasturba Gandhi Balikavidyalayas (KGBVs) in the state, out of which, 84 KGBVs, are establishment in the year 2017-18, after the formation of Telangana and after the reorganization of Mandals. The Project Approval Board (PAB) 2022-23 has approved
the Establishment of 20 New Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs). The DSE & EO PD Samagra Shiksha, Hyd., has requested the Government for establishment of (20) New KGBVs with an annual recurring budget of Rs.60.00 lakhs (36 Lakhs Central
Share + 24 Lakhs State Share) for each Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.
The Government after careful examination of the matter, hereby accord permission to the Director of School Education & Ex-officio State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Hyderabad, for opening of twenty (20) New KGBVs as appended to this order, with an annual recurring budget of Rs.60.00 lakhs (36 Lakhs Central Share + 24 Lakhs State Share) for each Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, as per Project Approval Board (PAB) guidelines and to engage/adjust the Teaching and NonTeaching Services within the services permitted.
The Director of School Education & Ex-officio State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Hyderabad, shall take necessary further action in the matter accordingly.
This order issues with the concurrence of Finance (HRM.VII) Departme A Glimpse into History
The KGBV initiative was inaugurated by the Government of India in August 2004 and subsequently integrated into the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan program. Its primary aim? To provide educational opportunities for girls from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minority communities, and families living below the poverty line in Educationally Backward Blocks.
Annexure to the G.O.Ms.No. 24, School Education(Prog.I) Dept., dt.29.8.2023.
S. No. District Mandal
1 Adilabad Mavala
2 Jagitial Beerpur
3 Jagitial Buggaram
4 Karimnagar Kothapally
5 Karimnagar Ganneruvaram
6 Mahabubabad Dantalapalli
7 Mahbubnagar Mohammadabad
8 Medak Narsingi
9 Medak Nizampet
10 Medak Haveli Ganpur
11 Medak Masaipet
12 Nizamabad Nizamabad (South)
13 Nizamabad Nizamabad (North)
14 Sangareddy Nagaligidda
15 Sangareddy Mogudampally
16 Sangareddy Vatapally
17 Sangareddy Gummadidala
18 Sangareddy Chowtukur
19 Siddipet Dholmetta
20 Vikarabad Chowdapur
Bridging the Gender Gap: The Objective
Gender disparities continue to persist, especially in rural areas and among marginalized communities. Enrollment statistics reveal a significant gap between boys and girls, particularly at the upper primary level. KGBV’s overarching objective is to ensure that quality education becomes both feasible and accessible for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. It accomplishes this by establishing residential schools with boarding facilities at the elementary level, paving the way for a brighter future for these young minds.[1]
Who’s Eligible for KGBV?
While KGBV’s mission is crystal clear, eligibility criteria are equally important. The scheme was initially introduced in 2004 in Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) with female literacy rates below the national average (46.13% as per the 2001 Census) and a more substantial gender gap in literacy (21.59% as per the 2001 Census). These schools are set up in areas characterized by:
- A concentration of tribal populations, coupled with low female literacy rates and a high number of out-of-school girls.
- A concentration of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority populations, where female literacy is low and many girls are deprived of education.
- Areas with low female literacy in general.
- Areas with numerous small, scattered habitations that don’t meet the criteria for a regular school.
It’s essential to note that the criteria for eligible blocks were revised as of April 1, 2008, to include:
- An additional 316 Educationally Backward Blocks with rural female literacy rates below 30%.
- 94 towns and cities with a significant minority population (as identified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs) and female literacy rates below the national average (53.67% as per the 2001 Census).
Extensive Coverage
The impact of KGBV has been far-reaching, with its presence felt across 28 states and union territories in India, including:
A Glimpse into the Past
To understand the importance of this decision, let’s take a quick look back. Telangana witnessed the establishment of 84 KGBVs in 2017-18, following the formation of the state and a reorganization of Mandals. These institutions have played a crucial role in empowering girls by providing them with quality education and a supportive environment.
A Forward Step: Project Approval Board 2022-23
Fast forward to the present, and the Project Approval Board (PAB) for the year 2022-23 has given its nod to establish an additional 20 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas. This expansion is a testament to the government’s commitment to promoting education among girls.
A Green Light from the Government
Making Dreams Come True
The government, after careful deliberation, has granted permission to the Director of School Education & Ex-officio State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Hyderabad, to open these twenty new KGBVs. Each of these institutions will receive an annual recurring budget of Rs. 60.00 lakhs, with Rs. 36 lakhs from the Central Share and Rs. 24 lakhs from the State Share. This financial support ensures that these schools can provide a high-quality education to their students.
Streamlining Resources
In addition to financial backing, the government has also authorized the engagement and adjustment of Teaching and Non-Teaching Services within the guidelines set by the Project Approval Board (PAB). This flexibility will aid in the efficient functioning of the new KGBVs.
Moving Forward
The Director of School Education & Ex-officio State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Hyderabad, will now take the necessary steps to bring this visionary project to fruition. The establishment of these 20 new Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas marks a significant milestone in the state’s educational journey, opening up new opportunities for girls to receive a quality education and aspire to brighter futures.
This order has received the full concurrence of the Finance (HRM.VII) Department, ensuring that the financial aspects are well-structured and sustainable. The government’s commitment to education and empowerment is evident through this decision, and it is expected to yield long-term benefits for the state and its youth.
Impressively, the Government of India has sanctioned a total of 2,578 KGBVs, with 427 in Muslim concentration blocks, 612 in ST blocks, and 688 in SC blocks. A total of 750 residential schools have been established in educationally backward blocks, with 75% of enrollment reserved for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and Minority communities, while the remaining 25% is allocated to girls from families living below the poverty line. KGBV’s reach and impact are a testament to the commitment of the Government of India in empowering girls through education.
In conclusion, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya is more than just a school; it’s a symbol of empowerment, equality, and opportunity for girls across India. Through its relentless efforts, it has been instrumental in narrowing the gender gap in education and offering a brighter future to those who need it the most. KGBV is not just a place of learning; it’s a beacon of hope, lighting the way for countless young minds towards a brighter tomorrow.
