Paper short abstract:

KGBV schools for girls of marginalized sections are intended to minimize gender disparity and enhance livelihood security. The objective is to evaluate its impact. Data collected randomly from 125 inmates, their parents and school authorities, found a positive impact on their livelihood.

Paper long abstract:

India introduced innovative residential schools called Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in 2004 with skill inputs for girls of marginalized groups between the age group of 10-14 to minimize gender disparity and enhance livelihood security. 125 inmates from the Ganjam district were chosen on a random basis to find out the institutional impact on health, sanitation, education and livelihood. Observation and interview methods were used to elicit data from schools, parents and others concerned. A recall method for inmates’ food consumption was done and Body Mass Index was measured. It was found that the impact has been positive in education and livelihood enhancement but not in health. Students maintain ethnic identity and need a balanced diet to improve physical and mental health.