Lack of transparency in spending, weak infrastructure, safety concerns: NCERT report highlights issues in KGBV schools

Lack of transparency in the utilisation of funds, weak infrastructure, shortage of teachers, low salaries, and concerns over student safety are among the challenges identified in an evaluation of 254 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. “Retention of staff is a major challenge due to low wages, insecurity of job, remote and isolated locations of KGBVs,” the report said. However, “It is recommended that slowly and gradually there should be only KGBVs with stand-alone hostels and students must go to nearby State school for studies in inclusive environment,” the report said. “8.1 per cent said that they are stressed, 10.6 per cent sad, 6.1 per cent anxious, 14.6 per cent felt mood swings, depression, 2.4 per cent and 3.7 per cent felt fearful,” according to the report. “It is suggested to open KGBVs in unserved areas including blocks in aspirational districts and in the North-Eastern states such as Mizoram and Nagaland,” the report said.