Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, raised the issue of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)’s increasing interference in Sainik Schools at a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. His claim sparked a heated debate within the committee, prompting Committee Chairman Radha Mohan Singh to ask Gandhi to provide documents and evidence to support his allegations.
Allegations of RSS Interference in Sainik Schools
During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi, citing media reports, stated that the influence of RSS affiliates was increasing in Sainik Schools operated under the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model. He also demanded an investigation into the matter.
Committee Chairman Demands Evidence
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s statement, Committee Chairman Radha Mohan Singh said that if he had any documents or facts in this regard, he should provide them to the committee. He assured that the documents received would be sent to the relevant ministry and the entire matter would be investigated.
He also stated that it would be investigated which organizations were entrusted with the operation of Sainik Schools under the PPP model.
Sudhanshu Trivedi raised questions
At the meeting, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi asked Rahul Gandhi on what basis he was making these allegations. He stated that the institutions allotted Sainik Schools under the PPP model have no connection to the RSS.
This issue briefly led to heated debate and uproar between ruling and opposition members in the committee. The situation calmed down after the committee chairman intervened.
Assurance of Investigation Given
The committee chairman stated that if sufficient facts and documents are provided, the relevant authority will investigate the matter, and further action will be taken based on the facts.
What is the Department-related Standing Committee on Defence?
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence (Department-related Standing Committee on Defence) is a parliamentary committee that reviews the functioning, policies, budget, and defense-related plans of the Ministry of Defense.
The committee consists of 31 members, 21 from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha. The main objective of the committee is to review the policies of the Ministry of Defence, budget, preparedness of the armed forces and matters related to the development of border areas.