New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs or central schools) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are likely to be the first to adapt to the model of Sainik schools (military schools), if the instructions given by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) are implemented.
The PMO is keen on Sainik school-type learning in all schools across the country to promote discipline, physical education and a patriotic outlook among students.
The MHRD is of the view that replicating Sainik school model in JNVs would be easier as they are residential schools. There are 1,113 KVs and 587 JNVs across the country, according to CBSE data.
Currently there are 25 Sainik schools across the country, run by Sainik Schools Society that admits students through entrance tests held in January every year.
As per reports of defence ministry, one-fourth of cadets in each batch of National Defence Academy (NDA) are from Sainik Schools.
Children of transferable central government employees, including defence and para-military personnel study in the KVs that address their educational needs by providing a common programme of education to develop the spirit of national integration and create a sense of “Indianness”.
Class VI students across the country have to appear the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test for admission in JNVs. The test is conducted in three phases in a year in different parts of the country as summer-bound session during February, winter-bound session during April and extreme winter-bound session during June.
The selected students are provided free schooling and accommodation by the central government. Cost free land and rent free temporary buildings for the setting up of a Navodaya Vidyalaya is provided by the State Government.
The MHRD on April 10, 2017 had informed the Lok Sabha that the government has spent Rs 3.69 crore per KV in 2015-16, up 20% from Rs 3.08 crore in 2013-14.