New Delhi: In a significant move to expand access to quality education, the Indian Cabinet has approved the establishment of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) across the country. The initiative is part of the government’s effort to enhance educational infrastructure and provide affordable learning opportunities to students nationwide.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the opening of the new KVs will allow approximately 82,560 students to benefit from high-quality education. The new KVs are expected to create 5,388 regular teaching posts. The total financial outlay for the expansion, including the addition of two more sections in the existing Shivamogga KV, is estimated at ₹5,872.08 crore.
The Minister highlighted that there are currently 1,256 functional KVs, including three international branches in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, serving a total of 13.56 lakh students.
In addition to the KVs, the Cabinet has also approved the opening of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas in previously uncovered districts across the country. These new schools will cater to over 15,680 students and create 1,316 regular posts. The estimated funding requirement for the new NVs is ₹2,359.82 crore. Presently, there are 661 sanctioned NVs, with 653 of them operational.
Vaishnaw also announced that all new KVs and NVs will be designated as PM Shri Schools, a move that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These schools will serve as model institutions, demonstrating best practices and setting an example for others in the education sector.
