Parents raise concerns over GMSSS-23's proposed conversion into Sainik School; Chandigarh administration assures continuity

Time of India

3 days ago

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Chandigarh: The Chandigarh education department's proposal to convert Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 23, into a Sainik School, claimed to be the first government school in the country to undergo such a transformation under the ministry of defence's partnership model, has prompted concern among parents, who are seeking greater clarity on how the shift will impact existing students and government school admissions in the area.
While the education department has submitted its application and awaits final approval from the Sainik Schools Society, a central inspection committee is also expected to visit the site in coming weeks. "It's a significant development and modalities are still being worked out. But no currently enrolled student will be affected," said Director School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar. "They will continue in the same school until they pass out, with no change in syllabus, teachers or school structure.
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Under the plan, the school will admit two Sainik School sections in Class 6 from the coming session. From that point, GMSSS-23 will stop taking Class 6 admissions under the regular government stream. The department has proposed that students who would have otherwise entered Class 6 at GMSSS-23 be accommodated in nearby schools.
However, the move has raised broader questions. "Isn't this effectively reducing the number of regular government schools in Chandigarh?" asked Nitin Goyal, head of the Chandigarh Parents' Association.
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"If GMSSS-23 stops taking new government students, they will be sent to already crowded schools in nearby sectors. That's one affordable government school being reduced from UT's map," he added.
Other parents expressed cautious support. "If this brings new opportunities for students, that's welcome. But how will the two streams regular and Sainik coexist in one school?" a parent from Sector 23 said.
Some have also pointed to the upcoming changes in staffing and space allocation as potential sources of difficulty. "If teachers have to undergo some special training for the Sainik School wing, won't that leave the regular students short of experienced faculty during that time?" asked another parent, requesting anonymity. "Also, both streams will use the same classrooms and labs, will our children get equal access?"
As per the official proposal and the Sainik Schools Society's 2022 Rules and Regulations, all schools under this model must maintain dual verticals- Sainik and non-Sainik -until the transition is complete.
The policy also requires nominated teachers to undergo extensive training of six months to a year at centrally identified institutions, which the department has acknowledged as part of its preparation.
According to UT Education Department, GMSSS-23 campus meets land, infrastructure and academic criteria set by the Ministry of Defence. The Sainik School will begin as a day-boarding model with a 10-hour school day and a curriculum that includes NCC, physical training, regimental routine and a "One School One Sport" policy.
Over time, facilities like hostels, dining halls and obstacle courses will be added. Since the building is a heritage structure, modifications will require clearance from the Heritage Committee.
Admissions to the Sainik School wing will begin from Class 6 and follow a merit-based process through the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Examination (AISSEE). Up to 60% of seats can be offered to students already studying in the school, provided they qualify a test as per Sainik School norms. The school will also follow RTE provisions, with 25% seats reserved for EWS students, and provide 50% annual fee reimbursement (up to Rs 40,000) to eligible cadets on a merit-cum-means basis.
Officials reiterated that the transition will be phased and monitored. "This is a gradual change, not an overnight shift. Administrative and staffing decisions will be worked out in detail as we move forward," said DSE Brar.