Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas to Set New Standards in Education Accessibility

Rs. 8,231 Crore Approved for Largest Kendriya Vidyalaya Expansion in a Decade

Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) are renowned for their high educational standards and holistic approach to student development. Currently, there are 1,256 KVs and 653 NVs across India, catering to the children of government and defense employees, and talented students from diverse backgrounds who deserve quality education. To enhance educational accessibility, improve outcomes, and ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed, the government has approved the adding new schools under a new initiative.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expansion of central schools with 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) under the Central Sector Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality education, particularly in rural and underserved areas, with a budget of Rs. 2,359.82 crore allocated for the Navodaya Vidyalayas' expansion from 2024 to 2029.

The 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas will be established in districts without such institutions, focusing on talented rural students of all backgrounds. These fully residential, co-educational schools will accommodate 560 students each, offering modern education from Classes 6 to 8. Each school will employ 47 staff members, generating 1,316 jobs. Additionally, construction activities for these schools will create temporary employment for both skilled and unskilled labor. In contrast, the schools' operations will benefit local vendors and service providers, boosting the local economy. Navodaya Vidyalayas currently operates 653 schools across India, educating 49,640 students annually through a rigorous selection process. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these schools ensure equitable access to quality education. A significant proportion of their student body comprises girls (42%), as well as children from Scheduled Castes (24%), Scheduled Tribes (20%), and Other Backward Classes (39%). Many are designated PM SHRI schools, setting benchmarks for NEP 2020 implementation.

The government has approved Rs. 8,231 crore for the largest expansion of Kendriya Vidyalayas in a decade, establishing 85 new schools, with Jammu and Kashmir receiving the most (13). However, KVs primarily serve children of central government and defense employees, ensuring nationwide access to quality education. Currently, 1,256 KVs, including three international schools in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, serve over 13.56 lakh students. The expansion of Navodaya Vidyalayas and Kendriya Vidyalayas will make quality education accessible in rural and underserved areas. With significant investments in infrastructure and employment, these initiatives will further strengthen the nation's education system, benefiting students from diverse backgrounds across India.

Editor's Note:

The recent approval for the expansion of Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) highlights the government's commitment to enhancing educational access across India. By establishing new schools in rural and underserved areas, this initiative seeks to ensure that quality education reaches all corners of the nation, fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds. Investments in infrastructure and employment will bolster the education system and stimulate local economies, contributing to a more equitable and robust educational framework for the future. 

Skoobuzz commends the government's efforts to reach diverse sections of students by increasing the number of KVs and NVs ensuring that educational opportunities are equitably distributed.