107 new KVs to be opened

Expanding the network of Kendriya Vidyalayas in the country, the government is set to open 107 central schools, including seven in Bundelkhand, this year.

The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) under Finance Ministry has approved a proposal of HRD Ministry to open the new schools.

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan (KVS), a premier organisation, is running 981 schools with over ten lakh students and nearly 50,000 employees.

The Bundelkhand region, whose development is being accorded top priority by the UPA government, will get seven KVs. The region comprises seven districts -- Jalaun, Lalitpur, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Banda and Chitrakoot from Uttar Pradesh and Tikamgarh from Madhya Pradesh.

Except Lalitpur, none of the districts have a Kendriya Vidyalay, a HRD Ministry official said. The existing KV in Lalitpur is also in defence sector and is not available to children of non-defence employees.

The KVS has already prepared feasibility report for setting up of KVs in 78 districts in different states. The feasibility study was done following proposals submitted by the respective state governments, the official said.

The organisation is in the process of preparing feasibility report for opening schools in other educationally backward areas.

As per the EFC note, government will spend around Rs eight core for setting up of one school. The proposal will now go to the Cabinet for final approval.

The Kendriya Vidyalayas cater to the educational needs of children of Central Government employees including defence and paramilitary personnel who are frequently transferred.