NEW DELHI: The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), an initiative aimed at providing educational opportunities to girls from marginalized communities, are facing significant challenges. These issues, ranging from lack of transparency in fund utilization, teacher shortages, safety concerns, financial mismanagement to infrastructure deficiencies, are threatening the very purpose for which these schools were established.A recent evaluation of 254 KGBVs across the country by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has highlighted several critical concerns that need immediate attention.
Lack of Transparency in Fund Utilization
One of the most pressing issues identified in the NCERT evaluation is the lack of transparency in the utilization of funds. Despite the allocation of substantial financial resources, the report reveals significant discrepancies in how these funds are being used at the grassroots level. Delays in fund disbursement, coupled with the improper allocation of resources, have led to underutilization in several states. For instance, the report notes that while the allocated funds for the year 2021-22 were Rs 246,657.25 lakhs, only 76% were utilized, reflecting a trend of inconsistency and inefficiency.
This lack of transparency has far-reaching implications, as it hampers the effective implementation of programs designed to improve the educational environment in KGBVs. The irregularities in fund utilization have raised concerns among stakeholders, with calls for more stringent monitoring and accountability measures to ensure that the allocated resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Infrastructure Deficiencies
Infrastructure deficiencies remain a significant challenge across many KGBVs. The NCERT report highlights that many of these schools are operating in substandard conditions, with a large number of them being housed in rented or partially constructed buildings. Specifically, 117 KGBVs are currently functioning from rented premises, while 592 operate from partially constructed buildings. This issue is particularly pronounced in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Tripura, where infrastructure development has been notably slow.
The poor infrastructure is not just limited to the physical buildings but extends to the lack of essential facilities such as laboratories and separate rooms for various functions. Only 42% of the KGBVs have a separate room, and a mere 28% have laboratories, which are crucial for providing a well-rounded education to the students. This severe lack of facilities compromises the quality of education and undermines the overall learning experience for the students.
Teacher Shortages and Low Salaries
Teacher shortages and low salaries are another critical issue 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 has resulted 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 being on contractual agreements, there is little job security or motivation for long-term commitment, which is 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, which is a critical aspect of the KGBV model.
Concerns About Student Safety
Student safety remains a paramount concern, particularly given the residential nature of KGBVs. The NCERT report highlights several alarming issues related to the safety and security of the girl students. For instance, 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, which raises serious concerns about the suitability of the location for a residential school for young girls.
The issue of inadequate boundary walls and fencing further exacerbates safety concerns. While 212 KGBVs have some form of boundary, many of these are either too low or incomplete, leaving the schools exposed to external threats. Additionally, 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, which are particularly concerning in a residential school setting.
Low Utilization of Funds
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.
Issues with Warden Positions and Accommodation
Wardens play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of KGBVs, yet the report reveals significant issues related to warden positions and accommodation. Approximately 50% of wardens have less than five years of experience, which indicates 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, which contributes 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.
Basic Amenities in KGBVs
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, which poses serious health risks to the residents and the surrounding community.
Read the full report here
Lack of Transparency in Fund Utilization
One of the most pressing issues identified in the NCERT evaluation is the lack of transparency in the utilization of funds. Despite the allocation of substantial financial resources, the report reveals significant discrepancies in how these funds are being used at the grassroots level. Delays in fund disbursement, coupled with the improper allocation of resources, have led to underutilization in several states. For instance, the report notes that while the allocated funds for the year 2021-22 were Rs 246,657.25 lakhs, only 76% were utilized, reflecting a trend of inconsistency and inefficiency.
This lack of transparency has far-reaching implications, as it hampers the effective implementation of programs designed to improve the educational environment in KGBVs. The irregularities in fund utilization have raised concerns among stakeholders, with calls for more stringent monitoring and accountability measures to ensure that the allocated resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
Infrastructure Deficiencies
Infrastructure deficiencies remain a significant challenge across many KGBVs. The NCERT report highlights that many of these schools are operating in substandard conditions, with a large number of them being housed in rented or partially constructed buildings. Specifically, 117 KGBVs are currently functioning from rented premises, while 592 operate from partially constructed buildings. This issue is particularly pronounced in states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Tripura, where infrastructure development has been notably slow.
The poor infrastructure is not just limited to the physical buildings but extends to the lack of essential facilities such as laboratories and separate rooms for various functions. Only 42% of the KGBVs have a separate room, and a mere 28% have laboratories, which are crucial for providing a well-rounded education to the students. This severe lack of facilities compromises the quality of education and undermines the overall learning experience for the students.
Teacher Shortages and Low Salaries
Teacher shortages and low salaries are another critical issue 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 has resulted 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 being on contractual agreements, there is little job security or motivation for long-term commitment, which is 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, which is a critical aspect of the KGBV model.
Concerns About Student Safety
Student safety remains a paramount concern, particularly given the residential nature of KGBVs. The NCERT report highlights several alarming issues related to the safety and security of the girl students. For instance, 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, which raises serious concerns about the suitability of the location for a residential school for young girls.
The issue of inadequate boundary walls and fencing further exacerbates safety concerns. While 212 KGBVs have some form of boundary, many of these are either too low or incomplete, leaving the schools exposed to external threats. Additionally, 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, which are particularly concerning in a residential school setting.
Low Utilization of Funds
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.
Issues with Warden Positions and Accommodation
Wardens play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of KGBVs, yet the report reveals significant issues related to warden positions and accommodation. Approximately 50% of wardens have less than five years of experience, which indicates 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, which contributes 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.
Basic Amenities in KGBVs
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, which poses serious health risks to the residents and the surrounding community.
Read the full report here
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