Question : Sainik Schools

(a) whether the Government has made any assessment about the financial position of Sainik Schools in the country, if so, the details and outcome thereof indicating the funding support extended to said schools by the respective State Governments, State / UT-wise;

(b) whether there is any pending issue regarding the incidence of pay and pension of the Sainik Schools establishment on the State Governments and if so, the steps taken for its resolution;

(c) whether the Government proposes to assume greater financial liability in respect of recurring expenditure of the Sainik Schools and if so, the details and the financial implications thereof;

(d) the mechanism in place to maintain adequate oversight on management of the Sainik Schools including appropriate standards of health administration to ensure proper health and fitness standards of the students; and

(e) whether the Government has taken note of the recent incident of food procuring at a Sainik School in Tamil Nadu and if so, the details thereof and response of the Government thereto along with the corrective steps taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) Assessment of financial position of Sainik Schools is a continuous process. Based on their requirements and financial position, financial assistance is provided by Ministry of Defence to all Sainik Schools.

In addition, State Governments also provide financial support for maintenance of infrastructure, scholarships and grant-in-aid for special requirements. The details of financial support provided by the respective State Governments/UTs during the last three years are as per Annexure.

(b) At present, Pay and Allowances are paid by the Schools out of the Tuition Fee collected from the Students. In case of a shortfall, Schools approach respective State Governments to make up the deficit. In addition, Ministry of Defence also takes up such matters with the concerned State Governments.

(c) At present, there is no such proposal.

(d) There is a local Board of Administration, chaired by GOC-in-C/FOC-in-C/AOC-in-C of the Army / Navy/ Air Force Command in which the School is located or a Senior defence service officer nominated by him, not below the rank of Maj Gen or equivalent to oversee the management of each Sainik School. Daily routine of Sainik Schools is designed to ensure a high standard of physical fitness of the students. In addition, every Sainik School also has adequate medical staff to provide basic medical aid.

(e) There was an incident in Sainik School, Amaravathinagar in October, 2015 in Tamil Nadu in which about 200 students complained of uneasiness, nausea and stomach-ache etc. All the affected students were immediately provided with necessary medical assistance by the school authority. In order to prevent such incidents in future, suitable instructions have been issued to all Sainik Schools for maintaining highest standards of health and hygiene.

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