Agartala: Dec 06: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the opening of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the Civil/Defence sector across India, along with the expansion of one existing KV, i.e., KV Shivamogga in Karnataka. Two new KVs will be set up in Tripura, specifically in Udaipur and Dharmanagar. The expansion aims to meet the increased demand from Central Government employees and will add two additional sections in all classes under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Scheme.
The total estimated funding required for establishing these 85 new KVs and expanding the existing one is approximately Rs. 5872.08 crore over a period of eight years, from 2025-26. This includes Rs. 2862.71 crore for capital expenditure and Rs. 3009.37 crore for operational expenses. Currently, there are 1,256 KVs functioning across the country, with around 13.56 lakh students enrolled, including three KVs abroad in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran.
The new project will benefit approximately 82,560 students across the 86 KVs. Each new KV will require staffing based on the established norms, creating 5,388 permanent employment opportunities. Additionally, construction and other related activities will generate jobs for skilled and unskilled workers.
The Kendriya Vidyalaya scheme was introduced in 1962 to provide uniform educational standards for children of Central Government and Defence employees. As part of the National Education Policy 2020, most KVs have been designated as PM Shri schools, emphasizing their role as model institutions. Known for their high teaching standards and consistent academic success in CBSE exams, KVs continue to be a popular choice for students.