Locals Outfits Threaten To Launch Agitation Against Relocation Of Bhubaneswar’s Sainik School

Bhubaneswar: Opposition to a proposal to relocate Sainik School to the outskirts of Bhubaneswar gained further momentum on Wednesday with several organisations vowing to launch an agitation against the move.

This was decided at a meeting of the functionaries of Odisha Parents’ Federation, Sainik School Parents’ Association, residents of Gadakana village and local intellectuals. In the meeting, it was decided to launch ‘Sainik School Bachao Abhijan.

Strongly criticising the move to relocate the prestigious institution for a road-widening project, these local bodies constituted a 21-member action committee to chalk out the strategy to mount pressure on the government to drop the proposal.

While Subrat Sahu has been named the coordinator of the committee, Rashmi Ranjan Parida is assistant coordinator. The panel has members from prominent citizens and intellectuals from various localities, including Gadakana, Rangamatia, Acharya Vihar, VSS Nagar, Damana and Vani Vihar.

Leaders of the organisations threatened to intensify the protest if the plan is not withdrawn with immediate effect.

They said the prestigious school established in 1962 has been an identity and pride of the entire Gadakana Mouza in particular and Bhubaneswar city in general for the last 64 years and any attempt for its relocation will face wide-spread protest.

The meeting noted that the demand for dropping the relocation plan has already been presented before the Chief Minister, Defence Minister, Union Education Minister, state Works Minister and secretary.

The present location of the school with its well-established infrastructure, training facilities and alumni connections has been integral to its success and relocating it elsewhere may compromise the very essence of the school’s growth and strategic purpose, they contended.

The organisations further stated that the institution has been preparing students for the National Defence Academy and Indian Naval Academy for over six decades.