No Proposal to Declare 33 Sainik Schools as Institute of National Importance; Government Recognizes Importance of Sainik Schools in Nation Building and Quality Education
The Indian government has stated that there is no proposal to declare the 33 Sainik Schools as institutes of national importance. However, the government acknowledges the importance of these schools in imparting quality education and creating leaders for the country. The government also recognizes the alumni of these schools as instrumental in nation-building and as a strength for the schools. Instead of declaring the existing Sainik Schools as institutes of national importance, the government has approved a scheme to set up 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership with NGOs, private schools, and state government schools across all states and union territories.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1404
TO BE ANSWERED ON 10th February, 2023
SHRI S. MUNISWAMY:
Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the existing 33 Sainik Schools are being declared as the institutes of national importance;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the hurdles in considering these Schools as the institutes of national importance;
(c) whether the Government recognizes the fact that the alumni of these Sainik Schools have been instrumental in nation building, if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to confer the institute of national importance status to a few schools like Sainik School Vijayapura (Bijapur), Sainik School Rewa, Sainik School Satara, Sainik School Chittorgarh and others which bring in the best out of cadets and have highly decorated alumni especially in the armed forces; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) to (e): There is no proposal to declare the 33 Sainik Schools functioning under erstwhile pattern as institute of National Importance. Nevertheless, the Government recognizes the importance of Sainik Schools in imparting quality education to its cadets for shaping the future leaders of the country. These Saink Schools have truly created nation builders and also highly illustrious leaders especially in the armed forces at various levels. The Government also recognizes the alumni of these schools as one of the pillars and strength and they have been helping financially and building an atmosphere of Bon-homie/healthy bonding between the students and ex-students of Sainik Schools. Towards this, out of 33 existing Sainik Schools, being run by Sainik Schools Society under the erstwhile pattern, 23 older Schools have Alumni Association. Further, in order to extend the quality education imparted in Sainik Schools to all areas of the country, the Government initiated and approved a scheme to set up 100 new Sainik Schools in partnership mode with NGOs/Private Schools/State Government Schools in all States/UTs. Under this scheme, Sainik Schools Society has signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with 18 New Sainik Schools.
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