Free education, hostel, meals: KGBV schools empower marginalised girls in Jharkhand
Ranchi, Jharkhand: The Jharkhand government is prioritising the empowerment of girls through education through the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) programme, which has become a lifeline for girls from marginalised communities. Under this programme, girls from underprivileged families are provided free education, hostel facilities, meals, books, and uniforms from Classes 6 to 12.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been working consistently to expand and strengthen this initiative aimed at empowering girls through education. Currently, 203 KGBV schools are operational across Jharkhand.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
- Free education from Classes 6–12
- Accommodation, meals, books, uniforms
- 203 schools operational across Jharkhand
According to Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, "Education is a very powerful weapon, it is a tool through which anything can be achieved."
With 75% of seats set aside for SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities and 25% for girls from lower-income families, the programme gives preference to girls from marginalised communities. In Ranchi district alone, 13 KGBV schools are functional, with 438 students currently enrolled in science and commerce streams. Beyond academics, students receive training in painting, dance, karate, band, physical fitness, and sports, ensuring holistic growth and building self-confidence.
Empowering through education
- Better education for poor and marginalised girls
- 75% seats for SC/ST/OBC & minorities
- 25% for economically weaker girls
- KGBV Schools in Ranchi
- 13 schools operational
- 438 students enrolled
“We felt very happy”
Class 10 student of KGBV, Yashika Kumari, says, "I also attend the Karate class at Kasturba Gandhi School; I can walk alone on road.’’
Meanwhile, another Class 10 student, Radhika Kumari, says, "If this school had not existed, we would have been in our village school. We would have studied there too, but we would not have received so much education. When we came here, all kinds of things were taught, we were taught about self-defence, and we participated in all the games held here. And when we came here, we felt very happy."