Kendriya Vidalayas: It has long been clear that the state can run schools well

Source: The post is based on the article “It has long been clear that the state can run schools well” published in the Livemint on 1^st September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Relevance: About the success of Kendriya Vidalayas (KVs)

News: There are 1,252 Central Schools or Kendriya Vidalayas with over 1.4 million students. Despite the more expensive private schools, KVs are regarded as good schools.

About Kendriya Vidalayas

Kendriya Vidalayas (KVs) were set up in 1963. They ensured that the children of Union government employees, such as the armed forces, Indian Administrative Service and police officers, among others, had good schools available to them even if their parents were transferred across the country.

What is the performance of Kendriya Vidalayas?

a) They have maintained high-quality standards and delivered on their mandate across hundreds of cities and towns, b) Extra and co-curricular activities: Theatre, debate, sports, picnics and a lot more usually happen outside the classrooms, c) Diversity in classrooms: The schools educate children of IAS and IPS officers and also Class IV employees, d) Per student expenditure in a KVs is two to three times that in an average state-run public school.

What are the lessons that should be learnt by Kendriya Vidalayas?

The six decades of KVs set clear examples of how public schools can be run well. KVs are proven examples of higher capital expenditure results in better facilities. So, the government should increase public expenditure on education.