Cabinet Approves 28 New Navodaya Vidyalayas in Uncovered Districts

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts currently without these residential schools. The decision, part of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme, reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education for rural and underprivileged students across the country.

The project, with an estimated outlay of ₹2,359.82 crore over five years (2024-25 to 2028-29), includes ₹1,944.19 crore for infrastructure development and ₹415.63 crore for operational costs. Each Navodaya Vidyalaya will accommodate 560 students, ultimately benefiting approximately 15,680 children once operational.

This expansion is expected to create significant employment opportunities. A full-fledged Navodaya Vidyalaya employs 47 individuals, and the 28 approved NVs will generate 1,316 direct permanent jobs. Additionally, construction and related activities will provide work for numerous skilled and unskilled laborers. The schools’ residential nature will also support local vendors and service providers, further boosting the regional economy.

Navodaya Vidyalayas are fully residential, co-educational institutions offering modern education from Class VI to XII. Admissions are based on a competitive selection test, ensuring that talented students from rural areas, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to quality education. Currently, 661 NVs are sanctioned nationwide, with 653 operational, serving as exemplars of educational excellence under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Each year, approximately 49,640 students are admitted to Class VI in NVs, with the schools increasingly reflecting India’s diversity. Recent data highlights growing enrolments of girls (42%), Scheduled Castes (24%), Scheduled Tribes (20%), and Other Backward Classes (39%). These figures underscore the role of NVs in bridging educational inequities and fostering inclusivity.

Students of Navodaya Vidyalayas consistently excel in CBSE board examinations, outperforming other educational systems. NV alumni are making significant contributions in fields such as engineering, medicine, civil services, and the armed forces, standing as a testament to the transformative impact of these institutions.