Third Phase of KGBV Wardens’ Capacity-Building Programme Begins at RIE Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 4 (UDN): The third phase of a capacity-building programme for Wardens of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) has commenced at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar, with a focus on enhancing leadership, school management and student welfare in residential schools for girls.

The training programme is being jointly organised by the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, and the Odisha School Education Programme Authority (OSEPA).

Addressing the inaugural session, OSEPA Additional Director Sangeeta Behera, Joint Director Jasmin Pattnaik, and education expert Dr. Sarita M. emphasised the crucial role of wardens in ensuring a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for students residing in KGBVs. They encouraged participants to adopt student-centric approaches that support both academic achievement and holistic development.

Speaking on the occasion, OSEPA Joint Director Dr. Santosh Kumar Rout said the training is designed to strengthen the professional competencies of wardens and equip them with the skills needed to transform KGBVs into centres of excellence for residential education.

The programme began with a welcome address by OSEPA State Gender Coordinator Lahari Mahanti, who highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building in improving the quality of education and care provided in KGBVs.

Joining the event virtually, NIEPA Project Director Dr. Santwana Mishra and Dr. Irma Kerketta shared their insights on effective institutional leadership and the evolving role of wardens in promoting girls’ education.

The training also witnessed the participation of faculty members from District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), teacher educators and District Gender Coordinators, who will facilitate interactive sessions on school administration, child protection, gender sensitivity and student well-being.

More than 70 wardens from two districts of Odisha are participating in the programme, which aims to strengthen their leadership and management capabilities while improving the overall quality of residential schooling for girls across the state.