The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the creation of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in districts that are currently not covered under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. The new schools will provide quality education to students from rural areas, free from socio-economic bias, and will follow the Central Sector Scheme.
The total cost for establishing these 28 NVs is estimated at ₹2,359.82 crore over five years (2024-2029), with ₹1,944.19 crore for capital expenditure and ₹415.63 crore for operational costs. The project will also create a significant number of employment opportunities, with 28 new NVs benefitting 15,680 students and providing permanent jobs to 1,316 individuals. Additionally, the construction and operational phases will generate work for both skilled and unskilled laborers, as well as local vendors and service providers.
Navodaya Vidyalayas are fully residential, co-educational schools that offer modern education from Class VI to XII. Students are admitted based on a selection test, and approximately 49,640 students are enrolled annually in Class VI across all NVs. Presently, there are 661 sanctioned NVs, of which 653 are operational.
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, almost all NVs have been designated as PM Shri schools, promoting quality education. The scheme has led to a steady rise in applications, with notable increases in enrollment of girls (42%) and students from disadvantaged groups (SC: 24%, ST: 20%, OBC: 39%).
NV students consistently perform exceptionally well in CBSE board exams and excel in various fields, including engineering, medicine, civil services, and the armed forces.
Annexure: List of Districts for New NVs:
- Arunachal Pradesh:
- Upper Subansiri
- Kradadi
- Lepa Rada
- Lower Siang
- Lohit
- Pakke-Kessang
- Shi-Yomi
- Siang
- Assam:
- Sonitpur
- Charaideo
- Hojai
- Majuli
- South Salmara Manacachar
- West Karbianglong
- Manipur:
- Thoubal
- Kangpoki
- Noney
- Karnataka:
- Bellary
- Maharashtra:
- Thane
- Telangana:
- Jagityal
- Nizamabad
- Kothagudem Bhadradri
- Medchal Malkajgiri
- Mahabubnagar
- Sangareddy
- Suryapet
- West Bengal:
- Purba Bardhaman
- Jhargram
