Centre Approves Two New Kendriya Vidyalayas for Himachal

BJP former state president and MP Suresh Kashyap said that I express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National President and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for giving the historic gift of Kendriya Vidyalaya to Kotkhai Assembly and Paonta Sahib Assembly of Shimla parliamentary constituency.

He said that on behalf of the entire leadership of Bharatiya Janata Party, State President Dr. Rajiv Bindal and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, we thank the Central Government for this big gift.

He said that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the opening of 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in the civil sector across the country to meet the educational needs of the children of Central Government employees, keeping in mind the increasing number of children, of which two have been allocated to Himachal. The total estimated funding requirement for the establishment of the 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas is Rs 5862.55 crore (approx.), covering a period of nine years from 2026-27. This includes capital expenditure of Rs 2585.52 crore (approx.) and operational expenditure of Rs 3277.03 crore (approx.). It is noteworthy that for the first time, these 57 Kendriya Vidyalayas have been approved with three years of Bal Vatika, i.e., the foundation stage (pre-primary).

Suresh Kashyap stated that the latest GST reforms have reduced burdens across the country and provided diverse benefits to different states and regions. In Himachal Pradesh, known for its rich traditional crafts, distinctive agricultural produce, and growing industries, the recent reduction in GST rates is likely to have a profound impact. These will bring relief to small artisans and weavers, new opportunities for farmers and agriculturists, and greater competitiveness to Himachal Pradesh’s industrial clusters. Together, these reforms will strengthen livelihoods and propel the state toward sustained development.

He said that Himachal Pradesh’s famous handloom products, especially shawls and woolen garments, are expected to receive relief in the new GST structure. These products are not just souvenirs; they provide livelihoods for thousands of artisans.

In the Kullu Valley, over 3,000 weavers associated with self-help groups create the vibrantly patterned, GI-tagged Kullu shawls. These weavers are part of an estimated 10,000–12,000 handloom artisans across the state who earn their livelihoods from these handicrafts. Shawls from the neighboring Kinnaur district, adorned with intricate mythological motifs, are woven and hand-dyed by several thousand artisans. The reduction of GST from 12% to 5% is expected to reduce the cost of these handmade products for consumers. This move directly boosts the competitiveness and income of artisans.

Pashmina shawls have also benefited from the tax increase from 12% to 5%. Although often associated with Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh also has its own production in areas like Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla. Many of the 10,000-12,000 artisans in the handloom sector are involved in pashmina and create exquisite woolen crafts. The tax cut has also brought relief to this high-value sector, which may help artisans price their shawls more competitively while maintaining margins.

Along with shawls, traditional Himachali headgear, such as the multicolored Kinnauri caps, and other woolen items like gloves will also benefit from the revised GST slabs. These items are handwoven by thousands of artisans in the high-altitude districts. The lower tax is expected to reduce prices for consumers somewhat. This will secure the livelihoods of artisans and weavers and help preserve the age-old crafts.