The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in uncovered districts across the country. These schools will be set up under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme, a Central Sector initiative aimed at providing quality education to talented children from rural areas.

Financial Commitment Over Five Years
The project has an estimated budget of ₹2,359.82 crore spread over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29. This includes ₹1,944.19 crore for capital expenditure and ₹415.63 crore for operational costs.

Expanding Opportunities for Education and Employment
The new NVs will accommodate 15,680 students, with each school having a capacity of 560 students. In line with existing norms, 47 staff members will be employed per school, leading to the creation of 1,316 permanent jobs. Additionally, the construction of school infrastructure is expected to generate employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers.

The residential nature of NVs will also boost local economies by creating demand for essential commodities like food, furniture, teaching materials, and services such as housekeeping, security, tailoring, and more.

Commitment to Quality Education
Navodaya Vidyalayas are co-educational, fully residential schools offering modern education from Class VI to XII. Admissions are based on a competitive selection test, and approximately 49,640 students are admitted to Class VI every year.

Currently, 661 NVs are sanctioned across the country, of which 653 are functional. These include additional schools in districts with high SC/ST populations and three special NVs.

Promoting Inclusivity and Excellence
Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, most NVs have been designated as PM Shri Schools, serving as model institutions for the NEP's implementation. The schools have seen a significant rise in enrolments from girls (42%) and students from SC (24%), ST (20%), and OBC (39%) communities, promoting inclusivity in education.

Navodaya Vidyalayas consistently outperform other educational institutions in CBSE board examinations. Their alumni excel in fields such as engineering, medicine, the armed forces, and civil services, matching the achievements of urban counterparts.

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