Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) are not a solution to the problems in the education sector and states should take initiatives to improve schools in all states, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Pradhan also called on MPs to take initiative for proper use of Rs 3,500 crore given by the central government in the latest budget for the upgrade of schools by state governments across the country.
“Central schools are not the only solution… state governments need to find ways,” he said during Question Time in response to many MPs asking to open KVs in their respective constituencies.
The minister said that the opening of new KVs is an ongoing process and that they are opened primarily to meet the educational needs of departments of central government transferable employees, including defense and paramilitary personnel, central autonomous agencies, Central Government Enterprises (PSUs) and Central Institute of Higher Education (IHL) by offering a common education program across the country.
“Proposals for opening new KVs will only be considered if sponsored by ministries or departments of Government of India, state governments, trade unions territories (UTs) and resources to set up a new KV,” he said.
Pradhan said that the proposals received from various sponsoring authorities that meet the mandatory conditions for opening new KVs will have to compete with other such proposals under the “challenge method” and subject to approval from the competent authority.
He said that the construction of permanent buildings for KVs is an ongoing process, which: depends on identification of suitable land, completion of lease formalities in favor of
KVS by sponsoring agencies, submission of drawings and estimates by construction agency, availability of funds and necessary approvals, etc.
