New Delhi, Oct 1 (KNN) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the opening of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the Civil sector across the country.

The expansion aims to cater to the educational needs of children of Central Government employees, including Defence and Paramilitary personnel.

The estimated cost for establishing the 57 KVs is approximately Rs 5,862.55 crore over nine years from 2026-27, comprising capital expenditure of Rs 2,585.52 crore and operational expenditure of Rs 3,277.03 crore.

For the first time, these schools will include Balvatikas, providing three years of foundational pre-primary education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Currently, 1,288 KVs operate in India and abroad (Moscow, Kathmandu, Tehran), enrolling approximately 13.62 lakh students as of June 2025.

The newly approved KVs will be established in 17 states and Union Territories, with seven sponsored by the Ministry of Home Affairs and 50 by state/UT authorities.

Among these, 20 will be in districts with no existing KV, 14 in aspirational districts, four in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts, and five in North Eastern or hilly regions.

This expansion prioritises underrepresented states and strategically important regions while maintaining pan-India balance.

Each full-fledged KV (Balvatika to Class XII) accommodates around 1,520 students and employs 81 staff members.

The addition of 57 KVs is expected to benefit approximately 86,640 students and create 4,617 direct permanent employment opportunities, with further indirect employment in construction and allied activities.

(KNN Bureau)