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Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Parents raise concerns over GMSSS-23's proposed conversion into Sainik School; Chandigarh administration assures continuity
1 2 3 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. " 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo "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.
NDTV
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Rs 65-Lakh Land Rover Sold For Rs 8 Lakh Because Of Delhi Vehicle Policy
New Delhi: The Delhi government's plan to lift the fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles and make efforts to resolve issues related to the restrictions on their movement has come too late for one man, who had to sell two expensive vehicles at throwaway prices because of the policy. In 2014, the National Green Tribunal ruled that diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old will not be allowed to be used in Delhi and the National Capital Region. This was later upheld by the Supreme Court. This policy forced Nitin Goyal to sell his 2013 Jaguar Land Rover, which he bought for Rs 65 lakh, to a person from Himachal Pradesh for just Rs 8 lakh. He also sold his 10-year-old Mercedes C Class 220 CDI Sports Limited Edition, for which he had paid Rs 40 lakh, for just Rs 4 lakh. Goyal asked that if BS-IV vehicles were being allowed to be sold till 2020, how were vehicles that followed the same norms, but manufactured in 2013, suddenly unfit for use? He has now bought a Jaguar F-Pace. Delhi Government's Letter The Delhi government on Thursday urged the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which is responsible for taking anti-pollution measures for the Capital and NCR, to suspend the fuel ban on end-of-life vehicles just two days after it was implemented. Pumps in Delhi had been instructed not to give fuel to diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. Following outrage, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the fuel ban was not feasible and technological challenges were coming in the way of implementing it. Mr Sirsa said people were unhappy because of the ban and the BJP government would stand by them. "Because of several critical operational and infrastructural challenges, it will not be feasible to implement this order at this juncture. In fact, immediate implementation may be premature and potentially counterproductive," Mr Sirsa said in a letter to the CAQM. The government also said it will make all efforts to resolve issues related to the restrictions on the movement of end-of-life vehicles in Delhi. How To Get Back Impounded Vehicles More than a dozen four-wheelers and over 60 two-wheelers were also seized after July 1, when the fuel ban came into effect. To recover the impounded vehicles, three conditions will need to be met: An affidavit will have to be given that the vehicle will be taken out of Delhi to another state. A challan of Rs 10,000 will have to be paid. The expenses incurred by the Transport Department in seizing the vehicle will also have to be reimbursed by the vehicle's owner.
