Gujarat: KGBV schools transform lives of over 80,000 underprivileged girls

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas were sanctioned under the erstwhile Sarva Shikha Abhiyan (SSA) as residential schools at the upper primary level for girls belonging to disadvantaged groups such as Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Caste, Minority and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Currently, 257 KGBV schools exist in Gujarat, enrolling around 30,000 girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, whose parents cannot afford their education. Some 50,000 girls have already passed out since the inception of the scheme.

The government spends approximately 35,000 rupees on each girl every year. This initiative has significantly improved these students' access to education and opportunities.

Mahesh Mehta, Secretary of Samgra Shiksha Abhiyan, Gujarat, said, "Gujarat is utilizing the funds disbursed by the Government of India. Additionally, we are receiving funds from the state and CSR funding and NGOs. We are also receiving support from IITs for the betterment of the girls and quality education in our Schools of Excellence project. Our KGBVs have benefited from smart classrooms, technology-aided learning, G Shala, and tablets, laptops, etc."

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas offer free residential facilities, meals, textbooks, and uniforms, providing a comfortable living and learning environment.

High-quality education and sports facilities promote holistic development. After graduation, girls receive ongoing counselling to ensure a bright future.

Bharawd Ayushi Nutanbhai, a student at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, said, "All the girls in my village went to their in-laws' homes, but I wanted to do something different, and I felt that I should come here. So, I convinced my parents that I should go to the hostel. When I came to the hostel, I found the environment here completely different from our village. In the village, we have to work, but here, we just have to study, and we can do whatever we can to shape our future. The government is providing us with very good facilities here."

Another student, Seema Pankajbhai, said, "When I came here in the sixth grade, we heard about things like skating and karate for the first time. Gradually, we were taught many activities including skating and karate, and we also had extra classes where we were taught subjects we found difficult. We enjoy studying here, and it's fun living among almost 100 girls."

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas are fulfilling the dreams of economically disadvantaged girls, catalyzing a transformative shift in girls' education in Gujarat.

They empower girls through education, inspiring their families and communities.

These schools not only integrate girls into the educational mainstream but also foster self-reliant and dignified lives. (ANI)