Political affiliation does not influence selection process of new Sainik Schools: govt.

The scheme for new Sainik Schools is “well thought out” and the “political or ideological affiliation or otherwise” of the applicant institution does not influence the selection process, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday, responding to some reports.

It stated that attempts to “politicise or distort” the objectives and implementation of the scheme by “casting aspersions on it are unwarranted and misleading”.

“The selection process itself is rigorous, checks and balances have been

In addition to the existing 33 schools, the Ministry had approved proposal for 100 more schools

built in to ensure continuing adherence to the objectives,” the Ministry said in a statement.

Sainik Schools were established in the 1960s under the Sainik Schools Society (SSS), which is under the Ministry and there are 33 existing schools.

Given the demand for Sainik Schools, the Union Cabinet had in October 2021 approved the proposal for launching 100 Sainik Schools under publicprivate partnership to be affiliated with the SSS.

Detailing the selection process, the Ministry said the evaluation process includes a School Evaluation Committee comprising the District Magistrate concerned as Chairperson and principals of nearby existing Sainik Schools or Navodaya Vidyalaya.

Physical inspection of the applicant school and verification of the credentials is done as per laid down criteria, it stated, and an approval committee that consists of the Joint Secretary, SSS as Chairperson, Secretary of CBSE and an eminent educationist as members accord the final recommendations.