Fees structure prevailing in Sainik Schools

284. SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has received any representation from the parents of students of Sainik Schools regarding the huge fees structure prevailing in Sainik Schools;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government proposes to look into the fee structure to make a reasonable analysis and reduce the fees; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

(a) to (d): Yes, Sir. 2 Sainik Schools functioning under the erstwhile pattern of Sainik Schools, have reported that representations have been received relating to fee structure prevailing in Sainik Schools. In order to reduce burden and motivate the cadets of the Sainik Schools, the Government has made budgetary provisions for providing National Defence Academy (NDA)incentive to all the cadets joining NDA/Technical Entry Scheme/Naval Academy in the form of reimbursement of entire tuition fee paid by these cadets for classes XIth& XIIth. The remaining students are also given some assistance to the extent of availability of fund. The Government awards Defence Scholarship to wards of Defence personnel including ex-servicemen, and Central assistance to those cadets who are awarded State Government  scholarships  which further reduces the burden on the parents of these cadets. Further, in response to the representations received from parents of cadets, the Sainik Schools Society instructed the Sainik Schools not to hike the tuition fee for the academic session 2020-21, during the Covid Pandemic.

In so far as New Sainik Schools approved under partnership mode are concerned, these New Schools are required to have transparent process of charging fees in accordance with prevailing provisions for fees regulations by the respective State/UTs. Under this new initiative, the Ministry will provide annual fees assistance of 50% of the fee (subject to an upper limit of Rs. 40,000/- per annum) for 50% of the class strength (subject to an upper limit of 50 students) per annumto class 6th to 12thstudents on merit- cum-means basis.

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