LUCKNOW, April 30 -- The state government expressed serious concern over low admission figures for the 2026-27 academic session at Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), where a recent review found that enrollment has reached only 83% of the target. Officials noted this figure is "lower than the state average target". According to an official communication dated April 29, 2026, additional chief secretary of basic and secondary education, Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, issued a missive directing district authorities to immediately ensure 100% enrollment in KGBVs. The directive highlights that enrollment remains below expectations, despite approximately 1 lakh students being enrolled against a total capacity of 1.17 lakh seats across the state. Sen Sharma emphasised that KGBV enrollment is a "top priority" for the government and is being closely monitored by the chief minister's office. District authorities have been instructed to expedite the handover of buildings, complete procurement processes, and meet enrollment targets within the stipulated timeline. The communication, addressed to district magistrates and heads of district education project committees, primarily cited delays in the formal handover of newly constructed school buildings as a key reason for the shortfall. Although the construction of upgraded KGBV facilities by the public works department was reportedly completed in October 2023, the lack of formal handover is directly impacting admissions. The government also highlighted pending procurement of furniture and other essential resources, despite funds being released earlier this year. Officials warned that ongoing delays threaten the utilisation of allocated budgets and risk depriving eligible girls from disadvantaged communities of the scheme's benefits. KGBVs are residential schools designed to provide education to girls from disadvantaged and marginalised communities in educationally backward blocks. The state currently has 746 KGBVs, offering classes from Class 6 to 8. To allow students to continue their education beyond Class 8, the state government is phasing in an upgrade for 150 of these schools....