Empowering Futures: Skill Development and School Education for Girls in Indian Residential Schools, with a Focus on Warden Training and Economic Impact

Abstract

This paper examines the strategic importance of girls' residential schooling and targeted skill development in India, analysing its profound economic and human capital implications. It critically assesses the current policy landscape, including key government initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, to understand their role in fostering equitable educational outcomes and integrating vocational training. The paper delineates comprehensive skill development curricula, emphasising the critical blend of academic excellence, life skills, and contemporary vocational pathways. A significant portion is dedicated to the pivotal, multifaceted role of residential school wardens, whose contributions extend beyond supervision to active mentorship and holistic student development. Furthermore, the analysis delves into the economic and social returns on investment (ROI/SROI) in girls' education and skill development, highlighting their transformative impact on individual lives and national prosperity. The paper identifies key challenges in achieving nationwide scalability and effectiveness of training programs for wardens, proposing strategic recommendations for designing and delivering innovative, measurable training modules to empower girls and enhance their socioeconomic participation across India.