New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal for admission of girls to Sainik schools across the country. The admissions will be open for academic session 2021-22 and all arrangements will be made in a phased manner.

In a statement released to the media, it is said that "The decision is in line with the objective of the government towards greater inclusiveness, gender equality, enabling greater participation of women in armed forces and strengthening the motto of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao', propagated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

The decision is the result of the successful completion of the pilot project initiated by the Defence Ministry where girls were given admission in Sainik School Chhingchhip in Mizoram two years ago. Minister has asked the authorities concerned to arrange for necessary infrastructure and women staff in Sainik schools. These measures are taken to enable smooth implementation of the directive.

Sainik schools were opened with the aim of bringing public school education to the doorstep of the people. It also aims at sending a large number of students passing out of the Sainik schools to the National Defence Academy.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)