New Delhi: In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge fervently appealed for the reversal of the privatisation policy concerning Sainik Schools, citing paramount national interest.
Kharge emphasized the historical precedence of keeping the armed forces free from partisan influence in Indian democracy. He underscored the tradition upheld by successive governments, ensuring that the armed forces and their affiliated institutions remain apolitical.
Drawing attention to an investigative report based on an RTI reply, Kharge pointed out the alarming trend of Sainik Schools being privatised under a new PPP model introduced by the current government. He highlighted that a significant portion—62 per cent—of these schools are purportedly owned by leaders affiliated with the BJP-RSS nexus.
Expressing concern over the potential ramifications, Kharge urged for the complete rollback of the privatisation policy and the nullification of associated MoUs. He stressed the necessity of preserving the essential character, vision, and honor of Sainik Schools, crucial for nurturing future defenders of the nation.
Kharge delineated the background of Sainik Schools as fully government-funded institutions under the aegis of the Sainik Schools Society, operated autonomously under the Ministry of Defence. He lamented the government’s initiation of privatisation in 2021, which resulted in the signing of MoUs for 40 new schools under a model offering substantial financial support.
Furthermore, Kharge highlighted the disconcerting finding that a majority of these MoUs—62 per cent—are with individuals and organizations affiliated with the RSS-BJP-Sangh Parivar, including political figures and RSS leaders. He condemned this as a blatant attempt to politicize institutions crucial for preparing cadets for the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy.
In Kharge’s view, this move represents an ideological intrusion into the armed forces’ entry-level training, a departure from the established consensus to maintain the armed forces’ valor and courage above partisan politics. He warned against the potential damage to the inclusive and national character of Sainik Schools, cautioning against the influence of partisan ideologies on their ethos.
Kharge concluded by asserting that this deviation from convention serves the ideological agenda of certain groups at the expense of the armed forces’ integrity, urging for immediate corrective action to safeguard national interests.
