Is the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas a landmark step?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas approved to enhance educational access.
- Introduction of Balvatikas for foundational education.
- Focus on inclusive growth in aspirational districts.
- Estimated budget of Rs. 5862.55 crore over nine years.
- Creation of numerous job opportunities.
New Delhi, Oct 1 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narender Modi on Wednesday described the initiation of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas as "a historic milestone in enhancing access to quality education!"
"The Cabinet has approved the creation of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas. It is heartening that these KVs will feature Balvatikas, which will support children from their foundational years. Numerous students will gain from this initiative, along with the generation of various job opportunities," PM Modi remarked on X.
He went on to state that "this aligns with our commitment to inclusive growth, especially in aspirational districts, the Northeast region, and other remote locations."
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by the PM, sanctioned the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) on October 1, aimed at addressing the educational requirements of the children of a growing number of Central Government employees.
"The projected budget for setting up these 57 new KVs is approximately Rs. 5862.55 crore, planned over a span of nine years starting from 2026-27. This includes a capital expenditure of around Rs. 2585.52 crore and an operational expenditure of about Rs. 3277.03 crore," the CCEA mentioned in its press release.
Notably, these 57 KVs have been approved with Balvatikas, marking a significant step as exemplar schools under NEP 2020, providing three years of foundational education (pre-primary).
The CCEA has greenlit the establishment of seven KVs sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the remaining 50 by State/UT authorities.
Among the 57 KVs, 20 are intended for districts currently lacking a KV, despite a considerable presence of Central Government employees.
In addition, 14 KVs will be set up in Aspirational districts, four KVs in LWE districts, and five KVs in NER/Hilly areas.
This approval for an additional 57 KVs follows the sanctioning of 85 KVs in December 2024, prioritizing states that have not been included since March 2019.