The government has said that over seven lakh girls’ students are currently enrolled in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya across the country. Replying to supplementaries in the Lok Sabha today, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that of them, more than two lakh girls are from the Scheduled Castes, one lakh 77 thousand from the Scheduled Tribes, and two lakh 64 thousand are from the Other Backwards Classes. The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme was launched in July 2004, for setting up residential schools at the primary level for girls of these communities. He said the objective behind establishing Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalya is to ensure access and quality education to girls from disadvantaged groups by setting up residential schools.

The Minister also informed that the gross enrolment ratio of girls in schools has also increased, which is a good sign. He said the government is committed to promoting education among girls and empowering them. Mr Pradhan said, in the Union Budget 2026-27, the government has also announced setting up girls’ hostels in every district of the country.