Context:
Recently, the Minister of State for Education informed the Lok Sabha about the Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF), mentioned in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
Relevance:
GS II: Education
Dimensions of the Article:
- Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF)
- Interventions for Girls’ Education under Samagra Shiksha
- Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs)
Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF):
- The Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF) aims to ensure high-quality education for all children, with a focus on promoting gender inclusion.
- It seeks to address concerns related to Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), including females and transgender individuals.
- The fund will be utilized to provide necessary amenities, such as secure and sanitary vending machines, to enhance educational infrastructure.
National Education Policy (NEP) and Gender Inclusion:
- The NEP emphasizes “Equitable and Inclusive Education,” aiming to ensure that no child is left behind due to socio-cultural identities.
- It recognizes the concerns of Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs) and promotes gender as a cross-cutting priority for achieving gender equality in education.
- Specific provisions under Samagra Shiksha 2.0, part of NEP, allocate dedicated resources for SEDGs, including girls.
Interventions for Girls’ Education under Samagra Shiksha:
- Opening of schools in the neighborhood to facilitate access for girls.
- Provision of free uniforms and textbooks for girls up to class VIII.
- Appointment of additional teachers, including women teachers, to ensure quality education.
- Stipend for girls with special needs (CWSN) from class I to XII.
- Construction of separate toilets for girls for improved sanitation and hygiene.
- Sensitization programs for teachers to promote girls’ participation.
- Development of gender-sensitive teaching-learning materials, including textbooks.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs):
- KGBVs are residential schools for girls from disadvantaged groups, such as SC, ST, OBC, Minority, and Below Poverty Line (BPL) categories.
- These schools cater to classes VI to XII and are established in Educationally Backward Blocks to reduce gender gaps in education.
