NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) and 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) to strengthen the educational infrastructure in the country.
This initiative, aimed at implementing the New Education Policy (NEP), will expand quality education, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the role of PM Shri schools, stating, “All Central Schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas were designated as PM Shri schools to make them a model for other schools to follow.”
Expanding educational opportunities
The new NVs will primarily serve rural areas, benefiting approximately 15,680 students, while the KVs will cater to an estimated 82,560 students across India. Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are among the states set to receive new KVs, while states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Telangana will see an increase in NVs.
Nearly all these schools will operate under the PM Shri designation, aligning with the government’s mission to promote modern, inclusive education.
Budget and employment opportunities
The project is backed by a budget of Rs 8,232 crore, including Rs 5,872 crore for KVs and Rs 2,360 crore for NVs. It is also expected to create around 6,700 job opportunities, including 5,388 posts for KVs and 1,316 for NVs, thus boosting employment.
Cabinet greenlights Rithala-Kundli metro corridor
In another significant development, the Cabinet approved the 26.463-km Rithala-Kundli corridor under Phase-IV of the Delhi Metro project. The Rs 6,230 crore project will feature 21 elevated stations and extend the existing Red Line from Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) to Rithala, enhancing connectivity to northwestern Delhi and neighboring Haryana.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the project is expected to be completed within four years, benefitting areas like Narela, Bawana, and Rohini.