Arunachal Pradesh took a significant step toward enhancing educational opportunities as Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona announced plans to establish Sainik Schools in three districts—Changlang, Longding, and Tirap—through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative, driven by the central government’s Sainik School Society, aims to bring quality education with a military focus to the state’s youth, preparing them for future careers in the armed forces and beyond.
Expanding Access to Military Education
During a session in the state assembly, Minister Sona responded to a query from Independent MLA Laisam Simai about establishing a Sainik School in the Tirap, Changlang, and Longding (TCL) region. He revealed that the central government has launched a nationwide plan to set up 100 new Sainik Schools under the PPP framework, partnering with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private institutions, and state governments. Unlike traditional Sainik Schools managed directly by the Ministry of Defence, these new schools will operate on an affiliation basis, broadening access to military-oriented education.
The minister explained that the Sainik School Society has already reached out to district magistrates and collectors to kickstart the process. Schools interested in affiliating as Sainik Schools must register through a dedicated online portal, where their applications will be reviewed based on compliance with the society’s policies, guidelines, and regulations.
A Vision for Quality and Opportunity
The new Sainik Schools are designed to offer top-notch education aligned with the National Education Policy, while also opening doors to career paths in the armed forces. This initiative reflects a growing demand for such institutions, particularly in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, where geographic isolation has often limited educational options. By establishing these schools in Changlang, Longding, and Tirap—districts along the state’s sensitive border areas—the government aims to empower local youth with skills and discipline that extend beyond academics.
Sona emphasized that the affiliation process ensures only qualified institutions join the program, maintaining high standards across the board. The schools will cater to students aspiring to join prestigious defense institutions like the National Defence Academy, blending rigorous academics with physical and mental training.
Strengthening Arunachal’s Future
This development builds on Arunachal Pradesh’s existing network of Sainik Schools, with the state already home to facilities like the one in East Siang and another in Tawang. The addition of three more schools underscores the government’s commitment to education as a tool for progress, particularly in remote and strategically important areas. The PPP model also highlights a collaborative approach, leveraging private and public resources to maximize impact.
As the plan moves forward, the state anticipates a transformative effect on its educational landscape. The Sainik Schools in Changlang, Longding, and Tirap are poised to nurture a new generation of disciplined, skilled, and patriotic individuals, contributing to both local development and national security. This announcement, made on March 7, 2025, marks a promising chapter in Arunachal Pradesh’s journey toward educational excellence and opportunity.
