Centre approves 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas, 28 Navodaya Vidyalayas in big education push

As per the government, the new KVs and JNVs will collectively create enrollment opportunities for nearly one lakh students and generate approximately 6,600 jobs.

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and 28 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), marking one of the most significant expansions of central schools in a decade. This move aims to provide affordable and high-quality education to over 82,000 students across the country.

Additionally, one existing KV will be expanded. The total estimated cost for setting up the KVs and expanding the existing school is Rs 5,872.08 crore, spread over eight years starting from 2025-26, while Rs 8,231 crore has been allocated for the overall project.

As per the government, the new KVs and JNVs will collectively create enrollment opportunities for nearly one lakh students and generate approximately 6,600 jobs. JNVs, designed as residential schools for talented rural students, will accommodate 15,680 students and provide direct permanent employment to 1,316 individuals. These schools will also generate local opportunities through supply chains and services like housekeeping, security, and material supplies.

Currently, there are 1,256 functional KVs, including three abroad (Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran), catering to 13.56 lakh students. Meanwhile, 653 of the 661 sanctioned JNVs are operational. Among the newly sanctioned KVs, Jammu & Kashmir will receive the highest number (13), followed by Madhya Pradesh (11), Rajasthan (9), Andhra Pradesh (8), and Odisha (8). Arunachal Pradesh will receive the highest number of new JNVs (8).

The last major expansion of KVs occurred in March 2019 with 50 new schools approved, while 54 were sanctioned in February 2014 by the UPA government. However, many of these schools continue to operate from temporary premises. The new KVs will be established over eight years, while the JNVs will be set up over five years from 2024-25 to 2028-29. This expansion underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality education nationwide.

(With inputs from agencies)