The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence in its 'Critical Review of Functioning of Sainik Schools' has pointed out several factors such as its low intake as compared to Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), drop out rate and no opening of new institutions in desired areas.
"The examination of the subject has revealed several anomalies in achieving the objects for which the Sainik Schools were established and also that their performance has been below the expected level," the report said.
On opening new schools, the Committee observed, "Several lacunae have surfaced on the issue of opening new Sainik Schools during the course of examination."
Comparing their performance with the RIMC, the Committee said, "The average intake in RIMC during the year 2008-10 was 75 per cent, whereas in the Sainik Schools it is barely 20 percent."
The committee also was "unconvinced" with the reasons given by the Defence Ministry for low intake rate in these schools such as less inclination among cadets for appearing in the NDA exam, semester pattern and reservation in selection.
For low appearance of Sainik Schools cadets in NDA exams, the Committee said, "Students of Sainik Schools appearing for NDA exams be made compulsory in line with the stipulated objective of setting up of schools i.E. Nurturing candidates for entry into NDA."
It also recommended that the Defence Ministry should also take assistance from reputed management institutions by conducting a proper study in order to ensure that the objectives of setting up Sainik schools are fully met and results are achieved as per the expectations.
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"The Committee recommend that the composition of Board of Directors of Sainik Schools should be reviewed so as to have representation from NDA, IMA, retired Generals and eminent academicians," the report said.
The Committee also recommended comparative analysis of these schools with similar institutions existing in foreign countries for replicating their advance practices.
For plugging the seven per cent drop out rates in these schools, the Committee said, "The drop out rate should be brought to a nil level... This problem should be addressed on priority basis."
Perturbed with the fact that out of 11 requests for opening new Sainik Schools, only four were entertained in last five years, the Committee recommended amending the current guidelines within a timeframe so that at least one school is established in each of the state and Union Territory.
It also said that surplus land from suitable cantonments be provided for Sainik Schools in exchange or equal area of land from the respective state government. MORE