Altogether 132 students from different parts of Nagaland appeared in the entrance test held for Sainik School, Punglwa on January 6, of which 112 were identified, coached and trained by Assam Rifles.
Last year, only 43 students had appeared for the entrance exam, which means there has been a quantum rise of over 300 % aspirants for Sainik School, Punglwa from Nagaland this year.
According to a press release issued by Inspectorate General Assam Rifles, North (IGAR-N) headquarters, Assam Rifles also has plans to sponsor some economically-weaker students who will finally be admitted to the school, as well as those students with the potential to become officers in the Indian armed forces on completion of 12th grade in school under its various civic action projects.
Though good quality residential schools are almost nonexistent in Nagaland, not many know the existence of Sainik School, Punglwa despite its immense potential, particularly in remote areas.
In comparison, Sainik School, Imphal that was established in October 1971 has contributed more than 200 officers in the different wings of the armed forces. Besides, its alumni boast of several high-ranking officials and politicians. Further, 32 alumni of Sainik School, Imphal hailing from Nagaland had cleared Nagaland Public Service Commission. Current education minister of Manipur and Moreh deputy commissioner too are products of Sainik School, Imphal.
Sainik School, Punglwa was founded in May 2007 as the 22nd such school in the country and has ever since grown and become quite a boon for the State, particularly for boys from remote villages. The school aims to remove regional and urban-rural imbalance in the officer cadre of armed forces, besides developing attributes of body, mind and character to enable young boys of Nagaland to become good and useful citizens of tomorrow.
While the academic, sports and extra-curricular curriculum at Sainik School, Punglwa is possibly the best in Nagaland, it has of late become a matter of concern that not many children have been seeking admission into the school. This situation has been exploited by other States which are sending more students with every passing year. The reason for this was two-fold – one was lack of awareness & coaching facilities for the entrance exams in Nagaland and the second was the fee structure, where students, on being selected for the school, had to pay over Rs 1 lakh.
Seized of the adverse impact that decreasing numbers of students would have for Nagaland in the long run, the school authorities decided to seek the help of IGAR-N to help address the matter. The school authorities felt that IGAR-N, with its pan-Nagaland spread, would be able to tide over the potential crisis.
Thereafter, IGAR-N took it upon itself to address the issue and began scouting for potential students in early September 2018. Having identified over 150 students, various battalions of Assam Rifles began meticulously coaching them and preparing them for the entrance exam, the release explained.
Sainik schools were started with the aim of preparing boys academically, physically and mentally for entry into National Defence Academy, thereby enabling them to become officers in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The first of its kind began its academic session at Satara in Maharashtra in June 1961 and these schools, ever since, have been set in all States with a few even having more than one Sainik School.
History was created last year when Sainik School, Lucknow admitted 17 girl students in Class 9, while Sainik School, Chhingchhip (Mizoram) admitted six girl children in class VI. In times to come, Sainik School, Punglwa also hopes to have girls and boys studying together and join the Indian armed forces in large numbers.
It is estimated that approximately 55,000 officers in the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, which is close to 18-20%, are from various Sainik Schools in the country. Sainik School, Punglwa was hopeful of contributing to those numbers in a big way in times to come, the release added.