Abstract

This study examines the various residential schooling strategies for girls within India’s publicly funded education system. While multiple initiatives exist, there is no cohesive national policy specifically targeting residential schooling, particularly for girls. Information about the performance and impact of these programs remains uneven and sporadic, with even less available on similar programs in the private sector. Through literature reviews, field visits, and consultations with key stakeholders, the study highlights crucial insights for future policy development. India’s residential educational institutions may be categorized into four distinct categories: formal schools, hostels, accelerated learning programs (ALPs), and bridge courses. The focus here is on formal schools and ALPs, which contribute to girls’ education and empowerment by fostering collective identity and enhancing individual capabilities through shared living and learning experiences. Key government-funded schemes include Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV), Ashram Schools, and Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), with additional financial backing from both Union and state governments, as well as philanthropic organizations.

ALPs such as Mahila Shikshan Kendras, Balika Shikshan Shivirs, and Udaan have played pivotal roles in informing the design of KGBV, a nationwide residential program initiated in 2004-05 to prevent girls’ dropout after primary education in educationally backward regions. While KGBV addresses gender disparities in schooling, JNV, and EMRS—modeled after elite British boarding schools—aim to extend high-quality residential education to rural and tribal students. The Ashram School model, one of the oldest, seeks to provide education to SC/ST students by removing them from unsupportive environments. This study underscores the need for comprehensive policy initiatives to improve residential schooling for girls across India.

Jha, J., Menon, G., Minni, P., & Priya, S. (2015). Residential schooling strategies: impact on girls' education and empowerment. Bengaluru, India: Centre for Budget and Policy Studies.