Cabinet Approves 85 New Kendriya Vidyalayas to Boost Educational Infrastructure

New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across the country under the Civil and Defence sectors. The decision also includes the expansion of the existing Kendriya Vidyalaya in Shivamogga, Karnataka, to address the growing demand from Central Government employees.

The initiative, with a financial outlay of approximately ₹5,872.08 crore over eight years starting from 2025-26, aims to enhance access to quality education. Of this, ₹2,862.71 crore will be allocated for infrastructure development, while ₹3,009.37 crore will cover operational costs. Each new Kendriya Vidyalaya will have the capacity to accommodate 960 students, ultimately benefiting around 82,560 students once the schools are operational.

This expansion will also create significant employment opportunities. Each newly established school will generate 63 permanent job positions, while the Shivamogga expansion will add 33 new posts. Overall, the project will result in 5,388 permanent jobs, alongside additional employment for skilled and unskilled workers involved in construction and allied activities.

Since its inception in 1962, the Kendriya Vidyalaya system has been a cornerstone of educational access for children of transferable and non-transferable Central Government employees, including those in Defence and Paramilitary services. Currently, 1,256 KVs are operational, including three abroad in Moscow, Kathmandu, and Tehran, serving approximately 13.56 lakh students.

The newly sanctioned KVs will align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and will be designated as PM SHRI schools, embodying the policy’s emphasis on innovative pedagogy and modern infrastructure. These schools will continue to set benchmarks in academic excellence, with Kendriya Vidyalaya students consistently excelling in CBSE board examinations.