KVS can be role model to check dropout rate: PM

Inaugurating the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday lauded the Kendriya Vidyalayas for continuing to maintain high standards through the last 50 years.

"It must be a very heartening thought for all those associated with the KVS that there is tremendous demand for additional Kendriya Vidyalayas in different parts of our country. And admission into the existing schools is extremely competitive. This is a pointer to the high standards of teaching that the KVS system has maintained. I understand that the students of Kendriya Vidyalayas have consistently performed well in the examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education. Not only this, these schools have also been conscious of the need for personality development of their students by emphasising on their participation in extra-curricular activities," he said.

The PM, however, noted with concern the overall decline in learning levels in the school education sector. "... the standard of teachers and teaching is not up to the mark, and learning outcomes are far below what we want them to be. Dropout rates in schools remain high after the elementary level. Some major concerns relating to equity also remain to be addressed," he pointed out.

Noting the growth of the KVS with 20 regimental schools in 1963 to 1,100 schools teaching 11 lakh students as of date, the PM especially appreciated the fact that a high proportion of girls enrol at KV schools. He said that under the 12th Five Year Plan, KVS could play as role models in setting standards and benchmarks for schools that are situated in the area around them.

HRD Minister Pallam Raju appreciated the embracing of technology by the KV schools and said that the ministry has nominated KVS as the Model School Organisation for the 2,500 Model Schools to be set up under the PPP mode.

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