In a significant move to enhance educational infrastructure, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8,232 crore for the establishment of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs). The approval was granted in a Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the expansion of an existing KV in Shivamogga, Karnataka. The expansion will involve the creation of posts and infrastructure to accommodate approximately 960 students in each full-fledged school, in line with the norms set by the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that this initiative will benefit around 82,560 students and generate new employment opportunities. The expansion of KVs, which had not been carried out for a long time, will create 5,388 direct permanent job opportunities, as each full-fledged KV typically employs 63 staff members.
The construction and related activities will also offer jobs to numerous skilled and unskilled workers. Similarly, each new NV, which accommodates 560 students, will create 1,316 permanent jobs across the 28 new schools.
The new NVs will provide educational opportunities for 15,680 students from rural areas. Telangana will see the establishment of seven new NVs, while Assam will receive six. Jammu and Kashmir will have the highest number of new KVs with 13, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 11, and Rajasthan and Arunachal Pradesh with eight each.
Kendriya Vidyalayas are primarily designed to serve the educational needs of the children of Central Government employees, including those in Defence and Paramilitary forces, as well as children from remote or underserved areas. This expansion is part of the government’s commitment to improving education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Most KVs and NVs are now recognized as PM Shri Schools, exemplifying the best practices outlined in the NEP.
The KVs have gained immense popularity due to their high-quality teaching, innovative approaches to learning, and modern infrastructure. The schools continue to attract a large number of applicants for admission, particularly in class I, and have consistently achieved top results in CBSE board examinations.
