Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the establishment of 100 new Sainik Schools across India. These schools will operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model . The initiative aims to boost recruitment into the armed forces, Shah stated on Thursday during a video conference.
Shah spoke at the inauguration of the Shri Motibhai R Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School (MRCSSS) and Sagar Organic Plant. He highlighted the new schools would create opportunities for children from various districts to join the military.
New Sainik Schools Initiative
The Centre’s decision to establish 100 new Sainik Schools is a direct move to enhance the talent pool for India’s armed forces. The PPP model involves collaboration between government entities and private organizations for funding, building, and operating these educational institutions.
The Shri Motibhai R Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School, located in Mehsana, Gujarat, cost Rs 50 crore to build. It features modern facilities including smart classrooms, hostel accommodation, a library, and a canteen. Shah stated MRCSSS would become a point of pride for the region.
Sagar Organic Plant Inauguration
During the event, Shah also inaugurated the Sagar Organic Plant. This facility aims to ensure reliable organic products under the Amul brand are available nationally and globally. The plant also seeks to provide fair profits to farmers engaged in organic farming.
The Sagar Organic Plant has a daily capacity of approximately 30 metric tonnes . It holds certifications under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). APEDA certification allows farmers in North Gujarat to access global markets for their organic produce.
Impact on Farmers and Dairy Sector
Shah stated the organic plant’s expansion would improve national health and increase income for organic farmers. He encouraged farmers and their families to use organic products for better health.
The Minister also discussed the growth of Dudhsagar Dairy. In 1960, the dairy collected 3,300 litres of milk daily. This volume has now increased to 35 lakh litres per day . Dudhsagar Dairy connects cattle-rearers from 1,250 villages in Gujarat and over 10 lakh milk production groups across Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
The dairy’s turnover has reached Rs 8,000 crore . It operates eight modern dairies, two milk chilling centres, two cattle feed plants, and one cement production unit. Dudhsagar Dairy significantly contributes to Gujarat’s White Revolution.
Cooperative Sector Growth
The Modi government has undertaken several initiatives to promote the cooperative dairy sector. These include forming 75,000 new primary dairy cooperative societies across the country. The government plans to ensure 50 percent of milk produced by cooperative societies reaches national and international markets, benefiting cattle-rearers.
To support cattle-rearers, three multi-state cooperative societies have been established. Shah highlighted that women contribute 70 percent of Amul’s total turnover . He also noted the Gujarat government provided a generous relief package to farmers affected by recent unseasonal heavy rainfall.