New Delhi: To enhance educational opportunities for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced the provision of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Labs and Smart Classrooms in all functional Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) and hostels across the country.
This initiative, aligned with Samagra Shiksha norms, aims to empower girl students, enhance their digital literacy, and improve learning outcomes while bridging the existing digital divide. The project is expected to benefit approximately 7 lakh girls enrolled in KGBVs, with an estimated expenditure of Rs. 290 crore.
KGBVs serve as residential schools catering to girls from Classes VI to XII belonging to disadvantaged groups, including SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories. They are strategically located in Educationally Backward Blocks to ensure access to quality education and to address gender disparities in school education. Presently, there are 5116 operational KGBVs spread across 30 States/Union Territories in India.
Access to ICT labs and Smart classrooms is particularly crucial for KGBV students, who often encounter barriers such as distance, cultural norms, and safety concerns in pursuing education. The integration of digital technology into their learning environment will not only enhance their academic skills but also equip them for future professional endeavors.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that every girl, regardless of her background, has access to modern educational tools and resources,” stated a spokesperson from the Ministry of Education. “By providing ICT facilities, we aim to empower KGBV students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital age.”
The implementation of ICT facilities will enable KGBV students to access educational platforms such as SWAYAM, SWAYAM PRABHA, National Digital Library, e-Pathshala, National Repository of Open Educational Resources, and DIKSHA. These resources are designed to supplement classroom learning and improve overall educational outcomes.