Kotkhai, Paonta Sahib selected for new central schools
TNR News Network
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh is set to receive two new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) as part of a major national expansion of the central school network. The schools will be established in Kotkhai (Shimla district) and Paonta Sahib (Sirmaur district), following approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.
Incidentally, Jubbal-Kotkhai (of which Kotkhai is a part) is the Assembly constituency of senior Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur. Paonta Sahib is represented by BJP MLA Sukh Ram Chaudhary in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha. Both Jubbal-Kotkhai and Paonta Sahib Assembly seats are part of the Shimla parliamentary constituency, which is represented by BJP MP Suresh Kashyap.
These schools are among the 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas cleared for establishment across the country under the civil sector. The move is aimed at addressing the educational needs of children of central government employees, whose numbers have been steadily rising in various regions.
Rs 5,862 crore allocation for nationwide KV expansion
The total estimated cost for setting up the 57 new schools is pegged at Rs 5,862.55 crore, to be spent over a nine-year period starting from 2026-27. This includes a capital outlay of approximately Rs 2,585.52 crore and recurring operational costs of around Rs 3,277.03 crore.
For the first time, these Kendriya Vidyalayas will include Bal Vatika — foundational pre-primary education for three years — in line with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on early childhood learning.
Shimla MP Suresh Kashyap expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP national president JP Nadda and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for bringing what he called a “historic gift” to his constituency. “These new schools will greatly benefit children of central government employees and local residents alike,” Kashyap said.
