Sainik School in Imphal to admit girls from next academic session
Guwahati: In a major triumph for educational parity among the sexes, the Union Ministry of Defence has issued a directive stating that Sainik School Imphal (SSI) will begin admitting girl students from the next academic session onwards.
This came to light when Group Captain HCS Chauhan, SSI principal, intimated the matter to Manipur Education Minister Dr Thokchom Radheshyam Singh during the latter's visit to the school on Friday.
Minister Dr Radheshyam held a meeting with the officials and the faculty members of SSI and inspected the ongoing infrastructure development at the campus and as well as other essential requirements which is mandatory for admission of girls in the establishment.
According to a report by DIPR Manipur, the Principal of SSI also highlighted the need for a separate dormitory section for girls, which is not available at the moment.
The Principal also apprised that as per directives of the Sainik School norms, online classes are being conducted for all the Cadets.
Dr Radheshyam, an alumnus of SSI, said that many states have already begun admission for girls in their respective Sainik Schools.
This comes at a time when the National Defence Academy (NDA) is preparing to take in girls and train them for the three wings of the country's Defence Services.
Assuring that all possible assistance will be extended to the School for admission of girls in the next academic session, Dr Radheshyam also enquired about the readiness of the cadets for the ensuing UPSC examinations for NDA and the challenges and limitations faced by the cadets and the teachers, including the school administration following the Covid-19 lockdown.
The minister also congratulated the Cadets who have cleared the written examinations and are awaiting medical tests, further adding that the government will look in the areas of possibilities for scholarships for Cadets in the NDA, adding that the sole purpose of the Sainik Schools is to train the young minds to build a strong nation.
Friday's meeting was attended by Joint Secretary Laishram Nandakumar; Vice-Principal, Wing Commander Sreeprakash J, among others.