Union Minister thanks PM for special consideration to J&K

Jammu, Dec 6: Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh Friday thanked the Prime Minister for giving special consideration to J&K while approving Kendriya Vidyalayas.

“Thanks PM Sh@narendramodi ji for giving special consideration to #JammuAndKashmir. Union Cabinet approves 13 new #KendriyaVidyalayas for different locations across J&K, out of which over 50% fall in #Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency,” the Union Minister posted in his note of thanks to the Prime Minister, on ‘X’.

In J&K, new KVs would be opened in Gool, Ramban, Bani, Ramkot, Reasi, Katra, Ratnipora, Galandar, Mughal Maidan, Gulpur, Drugmulla, Vijaypur, Panchari.

Earlier the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi this evening approved the opening of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the Civil/Defence sector across the country and the expansion of one existing KV - KV Shivamogga, district Shivamogga, Karnataka to facilitate increased number of Central Government employees by adding two additional Sections in all the classes under the Kendriya Vidyalaya Scheme (Central Sector Scheme).

The total estimated requirement of funds for the establishment of 85 new KVs and expansion of one existing nearby KV is Rs 5872.08 crore (approximately) spread over a period of eight years from 2025-26. This includes a capital expenditure component of Rs 2862.71 crore (approximately) and operational expenditure of Rs 3009.37 crore (approximately).

As of date, there are 1256 functional KVs, including three abroad viz Moscow, Kathmandu and Tehran and a total number of 13.56 lakh (approximately) students are studying in these KVs.

The administrative structure for implementing the project will require the creation of posts at par with the norms fixed by Sangathan for running one full-fledged KV with a capacity of approximately 960 students. Hence, 960 X 86 = 82560 students would benefit.  As per norms in vogue, a full-fledged Kendriya Vidyalaya provides employment to 63 persons and accordingly, approval of 85 new KVs and the expansion of one existing nearby KV, which will add 33 new posts, a total of 5,388 direct permanent employment opportunities will be created.  Construction and allied activities associated with the augmentation of various facilities in all KVs are likely to generate employment opportunities for many skilled and unskilled workers.

The Government of India approved the Scheme of Kendriya Vidyalayas in November 1962 to provide educational facilities of uniform standard throughout the country for the children of transferable Central Government/Defence employees. Consequently, “Central Schools Organization” was started as a unit of the Ministry of Education of the Government of India. Initially, 20 Regimental Schools in Defence Stations were taken over as Central Schools during the Academic Year 1963-64.

Kendriya Vidyalayas are primarily opened to cater to the educational needs of wards of transferable and non-transferable employees of the Central Government including Defence and Paramilitary forces and for children of floating population and others including those living in remote and undeveloped locations in the country.

In pursuance of the National Education Policy 2020, almost all Kendriya Vidyalayas have been designated as PM Shri schools, showcasing the implementation of NEP 2020 and acting as exemplary Schools for others.  The KVs are some of the most sought-after schools, due to their quality teaching, innovative pedagogy and up-to-date infrastructure.  There has been a continuous increase in the number of students applying for admission to class I in KVs every year and the performance of the students of the Kendriya Vidyalayas in the board examinations conducted by CBSE has consistently been the best among all educational systems.