The opening of these new KVs will provide over 82,000 students across India with access to affordable, high-quality education. The total estimated cost for establishing 85 new KVs and expanding one existing KV is ₹5,872.08 crore, to be spread over the next eight years, starting in 2025-26.
Currently, there are 1,256 operational Kendriya Vidyalayas, including three located abroad in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, with a total of 13.56 lakh students enrolled, PTI reported.
The expansion will also involve creating administrative posts to align with the standards set for running a full-fledged Navodaya Vidyalaya (NV), which has a capacity of 560 students. This means that the 28 new NVs will benefit 15,680 students. Each NV will also provide permanent employment to 47 people, creating 1,316 new jobs across the country.
Construction and infrastructure development for these schools are expected to generate numerous employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers. Furthermore, the residential nature of NVs will create demand for local vendors supplying essentials such as food, furniture, teaching materials, and services like tailoring, housekeeping, and security, PTI reported.
Currently, there are 661 sanctioned NVs in India, of which 653 are operational.