Government Rejects Rahul Gandhi's RSS Claim on Sainik Schools, Says Selection Process Is Transparent

The Centre has dismissed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's allegation that newly established Sainik Schools are being handed over to organisations linked to the RSS, asserting that the selection process under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is transparent, objective and subject to multiple levels of scrutiny.

The clarification came after a discussion during a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, where Gandhi questioned the management of the new schools and alleged that the institutions were being "privatised."

Key Highlights

• Government rejects Rahul Gandhi's allegations regarding RSS-linked institutions.
• Defence sources say Sainik School selection follows a transparent PPP model.
• Multi-stage scrutiny includes document verification and physical inspections.
• Union Cabinet approved 100 new Sainik Schools under the PPP model in 2021.
• Committee chairman to seek detailed information on private institutions' role.

Government Defends Sainik School Selection Process

According to senior defence sources, the process for selecting New Sainik Schools under the PPP model is conducted through a structured evaluation mechanism involving multiple committees.

Officials maintained that approvals are based on objective eligibility criteria, infrastructure standards and educational capability rather than political or ideological affiliation.

The clarification followed Rahul Gandhi's remarks during a Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting, where he alleged that the management of new Sainik Schools was being entrusted to organisations associated with the RSS.

BJP MPs Seek Evidence for Allegations

Sources said a BJP MP challenged Rahul Gandhi's allegations during the meeting and asked him to provide documentary evidence supporting his claims.

Committee Chairman Radha Mohan Singh is understood to have stated that the panel would seek comprehensive information from the government regarding the participation of private institutions in managing the new schools.

How New Sainik Schools Are Selected

The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of 100 New Sainik Schools under the PPP model in October 2021.

According to official information:

• 86 schools have been approved in three phases.
• 79 schools are currently operational.
• Applications under the fourth phase are under consideration.

Eligible applicants include:

• NGOs
• Trusts
• Societies
• Government schools
• Private educational institutions

Applications are submitted through an online portal before undergoing multiple rounds of evaluation.

Multi-Level Evaluation Process

The selection process includes several stages:

Document Scrutiny

Applications are first examined by a Documents Scrutiny Committee comprising serving armed forces officers.

The committee evaluates:

• Land availability
• Infrastructure
• Sports facilities
• Eligibility requirements

Physical Inspection

Eligible institutions are then inspected by a School Evaluation Committee, which includes:

• District Magistrate or Collector
• Principal of a Kendriya Vidyalaya or Navodaya Vidyalaya
• Principal of the nearest Sainik School

The committee verifies facilities and submits its findings to the Sainik Schools Society.

Final Approval

The final decision is taken by an Approval Committee comprising representatives from:

• Sainik Schools Society
• Department of School Education and Literacy
• Senior defence officials

Criteria Used for Approval

According to defence sources, the government considers several factors before granting approval, including:

• Geographic distribution
• District population
• Infrastructure quality
• Academic performance
• Boarding facilities

Preference is generally given to:

• Brownfield institutions over greenfield projects
• Schools with stronger academic records
• Residential or day-cum-boarding schools

Officials added that the initiative aims to expand access to quality education while developing leadership, discipline and national values among students.

FAQs

What did Rahul Gandhi allege?

Rahul Gandhi alleged that new Sainik Schools were being privatised and their management was being handed over to organisations linked to the RSS.

What has the government said?

The government has rejected the allegation, stating that the PPP selection process is transparent and based on objective evaluation criteria.

How many new Sainik Schools have been approved?

Out of the proposed 100 schools, 86 have been approved and 79 are currently operational.

Who can apply to establish a New Sainik School?

NGOs, trusts, societies, government schools and private educational institutions are eligible to apply under the PPP model.