[ad_1]
“As a result thereto, Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed for 40 out of the 100 new schools. Based on this model, where the Union Government provides ‘an Annual Fee Support of 50 percent of fee (subject to an upper limit of Rs.40000/- per annum) for 50 percent of the class strength (subject to an upper limit of 50 students) per year from Class 6 onwards till class 12, on ‘merit-cum-means basis’. This in effect means that for a school that has classes till 12th standard, SSS offers to provide support of maximum Rs 1.2 crore per annum, among other incentives,” he alleged.Kharge claimed that the report also found that out of the 40 MoUs that have been signed, 62 percent have been signed with individuals and organisations belonging to the RSS-BJP-Sangh Parivar.This includes a chief minister’s family, several MLAs, BJP office-bearers and RSS leaders, the Congress president alleged.”This is a blatant step to politicise the independent Sainik Schools–a preparatory platform which plays a leading role in sending cadets for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Indian Naval Academy.Sainik Schools were established by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru in 1961 and they have been the beacon of military leadership and excellence since then.”It is evident and therefore I ask, if this has been effected to ideologically indoctrinate armed forces at the entry level. No political party has ever done this, as there is general national consensus to keep the valour and courage of our Armed Forces away from partisan politics,” Kharge, wo is also the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha, said.The defence ministry last week trashed reports that the new Sainik Schools were allocated to institutions based on their political or ideological affiliations.”Articles have appeared in certain sections of the press insinuating that new Sainik Schools are being allocated to institutions based on their political or ideological affiliations. Such insinuations are unfounded,” the defence ministry said in a statement on April 3.It said a rigorous selection process was followed to finalise institutions to run the new Sainik Schools.”The scheme for new Sainik Schools is well thought out. The selection process itself is rigorous, checks and balances have been built in to ensure continuing adherence to the objectives and strong incentives are in place to provide financial support to deserving students,” the ministry said.”The political or ideological affiliation or otherwise of the applicant institution does not influence the selection process,” it said.
[ad_2]
Source link
Mallikarjun Kharge writes to Prez Murmu against ‘privatisation’ of Sainik schools
