Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas become a symbol of education, safety, and self-reliance for daughters

Lucknow, Sept 2025 : On Teacher’s Day, as the nation honours the role of teachers, Uttar Pradesh is showcasing a powerful model of girls’ education and empowerment. Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) have become hubs of education, safety, and self-reliance for girls. These schools go beyond academics, equipping students with sports training, digital skills, self-defence, and life skills to prepare them for the future.

Today, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have become a strong foundation for girls’ education and empowerment in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision is that every girl must study in a safe environment, progress ahead, and achieve their goals. On Teacher’s Day, these achievements are proof that girls’ education is indeed the pathway to a bright future.

Across 746 KGBVs established in educationally backward blocks of the state, residential education from classes 6 to 12 is being provided to 1.21 lakh girls. Of these, 75% of seats are reserved for girls from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities, while 25% of seats are allotted to girls from BPL families.

This arrangement has proved to be a lifeline for those girls who earlier had little access to education.
ICT labs and smart classes have been set up in all schools. With the support of Khan Academy, online practice facilities are available, while IIT Gandhinagar is running an initiative called the ‘Curiosity Program.’

In addition, through the ‘Ek Shabd Ek Sutra’ initiative, girls receive new educational content daily. Each girl undergoes regular academic assessments, and remedial classes are also being organized.

KGBV students are now excelling in sports as well. A total of 222 girls from the state have participated in state-level competitions, while 35 girls have competed at the national level, showcasing their talent. Under the “One KGBV, One Sport” scheme, girls are being trained for specialization in sports.

All KGBV schools are equipped with CCTV cameras, security guards, online attendance systems, and secure boundary walls. Along with safety, special emphasis is placed on self-defence. So far, more than 9.55 lakh girls have received Rani Laxmibai self-defence training (Judo-Karate). Additionally, 80,000 girls have been trained in MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management) under the Garima program, and over 2.60 lakh girls have been made aware of their rights.

Steps towards learning life skills and self-reliance
Girls are being equipped not only with education but also with life skills, financial literacy, and digital proficiency
• 1.87 lakh girls have received financial literacy training.
• 2.28 lakh girls have been trained in digital proficiency.
• 1.03 lakh girls have been trained as Power Angels.
• More than 45,000 facilitators and 38,000 teachers have received life skills training through the DIKSHA app.

Inspirational achievements
The daughters of KGBVs have brought glory to the state with their hard work and dedication
• Archana Nishad from Unnao became part of the Under-19 world cup winning team.
• Nidhi from Amroha was selected for the post of SDM.
• Ninda Khatun from Mahoba passed the NEET exam and secured admission to MBBS.
• Sandhya Saroj from Prayagraj and Riya Patel from Pratapgarh went on an educational tour to Japan.

Infrastructure development and new facilities
The government has provided facilities like computer labs, additional dormitories, toilet blocks, open gyms, astronomical labs, and musical instruments in these schools. Additionally, secondary schools have also been equipped with CCTV cameras, helpline boards, sanitary pad vending machines, and arrangements for regular health check-ups.