New Delhi [India], December 6 (HBTV): The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts currently not covered by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme.

According to the Government of India, the initiative aims "to provide good quality modern education—including a strong component of culture, inculcation of values, environmental awareness, adventure activities, and physical education—to talented children predominantly from rural areas, regardless of their family's socio-economic condition."

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of the initiative in line with the New Education Policy (NEP). He stated, "To implement the New Education Policy, PM Shri was brought—all the Central Schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas were designated as PM Shri schools to make them a model for other schools to follow."

In addition to the 28 new NVs, the Cabinet also approved the opening of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and the expansion of one existing KV. This move will provide educational opportunities to more students across the country, benefiting around 82,560 students through the new KVs and 15,680 students through the new NVs.

A total of INR 8,232 crore has been allocated for the establishment of these schools, with INR 5,872 crore for the new KVs and INR 2,360 crore for the NVs. The expansion will also create around 6,700 job opportunities, including 5,388 regular posts for KVs and 1,316 posts for NVs, strengthening educational infrastructure across India.

Nearly all the new KVs and NVs have been designated as 'PM Shri' schools. These institutions will serve as models for other schools, reflecting the government’s commitment to implementing NEP goals and setting high educational standards.

The distribution of new KVs and NVs spans several states. Andhra Pradesh will receive eight KVs, Madhya Pradesh 11, and Uttar Pradesh five. For NVs, Arunachal Pradesh will receive eight, Assam six, and Telangana seven as part of this nationwide expansion effort.   

(ANI)