Govt approves 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas across 17 states, UTs, Pg7.

Key Highlights:

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the establishment of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across 17 states and Union Territories.
• The establishment of these 57 new KVs is projected to cost ₹5,862.55 crore over a period of nine years.
• These new schools include 20 KVs in districts without any existing KV, 14 in aspirational districts, four in LWE-affected districts, and five in the Northeast or hilly areas.
• The new schools will also have pre-primary sections, known as 'Balvatikas', and are expected to benefit around 86,640 students, with an estimated enrolment of 1,520 students per KV.

Detailed Insights:

• The decision to establish 57 new KVs supplements the existing network of 1,288 KVs across the country, enhancing access to quality education.
• The focus on opening KVs in aspirational districts and LWE-affected districts aligns with the government's objective of promoting inclusive growth and addressing regional disparities.
• Although the government approved the setting up of 85 new KVs last year, the number of new students enrolled in KVs fell to a five-year low in 2024-25, with 1.39 lakh new enrolments.
• Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, an autonomous body under the Education Ministry, manages and administers all KVs, ensuring a common curriculum based on NCERT textbooks and affiliation with CBSE.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Aspirational Districts: Underdeveloped districts selected by the NITI Aayog for focused government intervention and development programs.
• LWE-affected Districts: Districts affected by Left Wing Extremism, requiring special attention for security and development initiatives.
• Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS): An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education that manages the Kendriya Vidyalayas.