The Reporters’ Collective investigation has revealed that 62% of the new Sainik Schools have been allotted to RSS and organisations linked with it, politicians in BJP and its ally, Hindutva rabble-rousers and other Hindu religious organisations.
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Back to the story.
Sainik Schools train future armed forces cadets. In the 2021-22 budget, govt opened doors for private players to run 100 such schools. For the first time, private players could get affiliated with MoD's Sainik School Society, get part financial support & run their branches.
Our investigation reveals that of the 40 Sainik School agreements so far, at least 25 were awarded to schools tied to RSS & those run/owned/chaired by BJP politicians, their spouses, rabid Hindutva individuals and organisations, and other Hindu organisations.
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One of the prominent organisations in the list is Vidya Bharati, RSS's education wing known for promoting Hindutva. It now has 7 Sainik Schools under its umbrella. It is often accused of rewriting history, indoctrination and imparting anti-Muslim curriculum.
In Vrindavan & Solan, Sadhvi Ritambhara, a Hindutva idealogue, accused in Babri Masjid demolition, runs 2 Sainik Schools. Liberhan Commission that probed the demolition listed her among those who took the country “to the brink of communal discord”
Bhonsala Military School, run by Central Hindu Military Education Society, also became a Sainik School. During the probes into 2006 Nanded Bomb Blast & 2008 Malegaon blasts, the Maharashtra ATS had investigated the school where the blast accused were reportedly trained.
BJP’s friends have also got a share in the pie. Adani World School, run by Adani Group, too has been allotted a Sainik School.
The new Sainik School initiative that brings in political players and right-wing institutions into the military ecosystem has raised concerns of threats to the secular outlook of armed forces.
Click here to read in English and here to read it in Hindi the full investigation into who runs the new Sainik Schools.
Hours after story was published, MoD circulated a press note to some journalists insisting, political or ideological affiliation doesn't influence selection process. MoD, however, didn't refute any assertion/data/fact in the story.
