Andhra Pradesh ranks second in girl student enrolment at KGBVs

VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh has a total enrolment of 97,665 girls across all categories in the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), according to the national evaluation of KGBVs 2022-23 report prepared by the NCERT.
This places Andhra Pradesh second in the country in terms of enrolment numbers, trailing only behind Telangana (1.3 lakh KGBV pupils).
The enrolment in Andhra Pradesh is primarily comprised of SC (27,892), ST (11,984), OBC (47,912), and BPL (7,480) girls, highlighting a strong representation of marginalised groups.

Andhra Pradesh has 2,397 Muslim girls enrolled, reflecting a moderate level of participation. Additionally, 42,364 girls are enrolled in elementary education and 55,301 in secondary education, indicating robust participation at both levels. The higher enrolment in secondary education suggests an increased retention rate of girls in schools.
However, Andhra Pradesh also faces the challenge of a relatively high number of non-functional KGBVs. Bihar (132), Andhra Pradesh (88/nearly 15% of its 587 approved KGBVs), Jammu and Kashmir (84), Uttar Pradesh (78), and Odisha (76) have the highest percentages of non-functional KGBVs.
To address this, Andhra Pradesh conducts the KGBV admission process online, identifying out-of-school children through data collected from the child information website. Priority is given to orphans, semi-orphans, children with special needs (Divyang girls), and those from below poverty line (BPL) families.
Andhra Pradesh receives significant central funding to support its KGBVs, ensuring their continued development. KGBVs are being implemented across the state where female rural literacy is below the national average and the gender gap in literacy is above the national average.
As part of the NCERT's evaluation, Andhra Pradesh reported that cumulative records are being maintained in all KGBVs. Virtual classes were conducted through YouTube channels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fifty KGBVs have been declared as "dream KGBVs." A special English learning programme called Karadi Path is implemented in these KGBVs, and a coding programme using Python is implemented in CS Puram in Prakasam district.
To inspire current students, states may identify girls who have successfully completed KGBV and are pursuing careers. These girls can be invited to interact with other students and share their experiences. For example, Anjali, an alumna of KGBV Anantapur, has joined the police force.
The govt of Andhra Pradesh, under the SSA, has published "Kasturi Flowers" that documents the success stories of KGBV alumni. Two students from Andhra Pradesh had their projects selected to be presented at NASA in the USA and were awarded the first prize in Singapore.