The Defence Ministry unequivocally dismissed allegations suggesting political bias in the allocation of new Sainik Schools, which arose following claims by ‘The Reporters’ Collective.’ According to the report, a significant portion of these schools was purportedly assigned to individuals associated with Sangh Parivar, BJP, and allied politicians. However, the ministry issued a statement refuting these assertions, emphasizing the stringent selection process employed to determine the institutions responsible for managing the new Sainik Schools.
Highlighting the thoroughness of the scheme, the ministry underscored its careful planning and implementation, which includes robust checks and balances to ensure the objectives are upheld. Moreover, the ministry asserted that the selection process is merit-based and impartial, irrespective of any political or ideological affiliations of the applicant institutions.
The government’s initiative to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country, in collaboration with NGOs, state governments, and the private sector, aims to broaden access to quality education nationwide. Over 500 applications were meticulously scrutinized as part of this initiative, resulting in the provisional approval of 45 schools. These approvals are contingent upon annual inspections to maintain the established standards.
Furthermore, the affiliation of 100 schools with the Sainik School Society under the Ministry of Defence, approved by the Union Cabinet in October 2021, underwent rigorous evaluation. This process involved the formation of a school evaluation committee, composed of district magistrates and principals of nearby Sainik Schools/Navodaya Vidyalayas, tasked with conducting physical inspections and verifying credentials. Ultimately, an Approval Committee, led by the Joint Secretary (Sainik Schools Society) and comprising representatives from CBSE and eminent educationists, made final recommendations.
Source: PTI
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