New Delhi (NVI): In a break from an age-old practice, the all-boys Sainik Schools, which serve as feeder institutions for preparing cadets for Indian armed forces, will finally open its doors to girls from academic session 2021-22 in a phased manner.
The path-breaking decision, that meets a long pending demand, was taken by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here on October 18, an official statement said. The historic decision will be implemented in all 28 Sainik Schools across the country in phases.
The decision has been taken following the success of the pilot project started by the Ministry of Defence for admission of girl children in Sainik School Chhingchhip in Mizoram two years ago.
The Defence Minister has directed the authorities concerned to ensure availability of necessary infrastructure and sufficient female staff in Sainik schools for smooth implementation of the directive.
The decision is in line with the objective of the Government towards greater inclusiveness, gender equality, enabling greater participation of women in Armed Forces and strengthening the motto of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, propagated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the statement added.
-nad