KPS schools set for upgrade with result-based lending by Asian Development Bank

To strengthen Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), with the financial assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has issued an order to implement ADB’s Result-Based Lending (RBL) programme.

Under the RBL programme, nine indicators have been adopted as Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLI), with performance targets which should be achieved by 2030 by the respective schools and also appointed nodal officers for each DLI achievement.

ADB has released ₹2,000 crore loan, mainly to strengthen around 500 KPS across the State.

As per the conditions, by 2030, the percentage of class 8 students achieving grade-level proficiency in language (English), mathematics, science, and social science across KPS must increase by at least three percentage points over the established baseline. The student transition rate between class 10 and 11 is targeted to rise by at least five percentage points over the established baseline.

By 2029, the percentage of girl students successfully passing class 12 examinations in KPS and programme schools will have to increase by at least three percentage points, as per DLI. It also says that by 2030, at least 500 new KPS facilities will be established, featuring safe, gender-responsive, inclusive, and climate-resilient learning environments.

There are also targets to be achieved about professional competencies, subject knowledge, and pedagogical skills of teachers, boosting outcomes in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) for class 6 to 12 and upgraded to accurately track learning progress in classes 3, 5, and 8.

By 2030, future readiness of students in KPS is to be enhanced through improved employability skills, and the efficiency and transparency of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships improved through implementation of guidelines.

DSEL has appointed nodal officers to ensure this, and they are mandated to convene fortnightly meetings to synchronise departmental efforts. A review meeting involving all nodal officers will be held in the last week of every month by the principal secretary of the department to evaluate the progress.