Cabinet Approves 28 New Navodaya Vidyalayas to Boost Rural Education

Cabinet Approves Setting Up of 28 New Navodaya Vidyalayas in Uncovered Districts

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) across uncovered districts in India under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, further advancing India’s commitment to equitable and quality education.

Key Highlights:

• Total Funding: ₹2359.82 crore over five years (2024-2029), including ₹1944.19 crore for infrastructure and ₹415.63 crore for operational costs.
• Student Impact: These fully residential schools will accommodate 15,680 students, offering modern education to rural and socio-economically disadvantaged children from Classes VI to XII.
• Employment Generation: Direct employment for 1,316 individuals and indirect job opportunities through infrastructure development and local services.

Benefits of Navodaya Vidyalayas:

• Quality Education for All: Focused on rural talent, NVs ensure access regardless of socio-economic background, with an inclusive admission process via a Selection Test.
• Residential Excellence: These co-educational schools provide a nurturing environment, fostering academic and holistic development.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Increasing enrolment of girls (42%) and marginalized communities (SC: 24%, ST: 20%, OBC: 39%).
• Academic Achievement: NV students consistently excel in CBSE board exams and in competitive fields like engineering, medicine, and civil services.

National Reach:

Currently, there are 661 sanctioned NVs across India, with 653 operational. The addition of 28 new schools enhances accessibility to quality education, particularly in underserved districts. Each NV is a PM Shri School, showcasing NEP 2020 in action.

Districts Covered:

The newly sanctioned schools span states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal. Key districts include Upper Subansiri (Arunachal Pradesh), Bellary (Karnataka), and Mahabubnagar (Telangana), among others.

Socio-Economic Impact:

Apart from providing education, NVs bolster local economies by generating jobs and creating demand for services such as food, furniture, and maintenance. The initiative strengthens the education sector while uplifting rural communities.

The approval of these 28 new NVs marks a significant step toward fulfilling India’s educational aspirations and empowering the next generation of learners from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds.