The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The defence ministry on Wednesday strongly denied claims suggesting that the allocation of new Sainik Schools was influenced by political or ideological affiliations. This response came after an online report by ‘The Reporters’ Collective’ alleged that a significant portion of the new Sainik Schools were granted to individuals linked to the Sangh Parivar, along with politicians from the BJP and its allies.
The ministry’s statement highlighted the exhaustive selection process undertaken to choose institutions capable of running the new Sainik Schools, stating that the allegations were baseless. It underlined that the scheme for the establishment of new Sainik Schools was meticulously planned, with a rigorous selection process in place. The process is designed with checks and balances to ensure adherence to the objectives of the scheme, alongside providing financial support to deserving students.
Emphasizing the impartiality of the selection procedure, the defence ministry clarified that an institution’s political or ideological leanings have no impact on its eligibility. It criticized attempts to politicize the scheme, describing such actions as unwarranted and misleading.
The government has embarked on a scheme to set up 100 new Sainik Schools across the country, in collaboration with NGOs, state governments, and the private sector engaged in the education field. Over 500 applications were scrutinized, with 45 schools receiving provisional approval to date. This approval encompasses both existing educational institutions and proposals for new schools.
The ministry assured that the approval process includes annual inspections to ensure sustained compliance with the set standards. It detailed the thorough evaluation procedure involving a school evaluation committee, led by the district magistrate and including principals from nearby Sainik Schools or Navodaya Vidyalayas. This committee is tasked with the physical inspection of applicant schools and the verification of their credentials, based on specific criteria.
The final recommendations are made by an Approval Committee, comprising senior officials from the Sainik Schools Society, the Secretary of the CBSE, and a distinguished educationist. This structured approach, according to the defence ministry, ensures that the selection and approval of new Sainik Schools are conducted transparently and equitably, devoid of any political influence.
