Chandigarh, July 24 (IANS): Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki said on Friday that he would take with the central government the issue of setting up of a Sainik (Military) School for girls, like those for boys, so that they also get opportunity to serve the country in defence sector.

Addressing students at the 55th Foundation Day of Sainik School Kunjpura near Karnal, he said that there was a need to provide an opportunity to girls to show their talent and skills in the defence field also.

He said that girls were excelling in the field of education by securing top positions and it was important to let them have opportunities in challenging areas like defence.

Sainik Schools, which are located in various states, train young boys for a career in the defence forces by preparing them for the National Defence Academy (NDA).

The Sainik School at Kunjpura in Karnal district, 150 km from here, was among the first Sainik Schools started in the country in 1961.

These schools have produced top defence officers like former army chief Gen. Deepak Kapoor and leaders like former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. Both were alumnus of the Sainik School at Kunjpura.

The present Army chief, General Dalbir Singh, is also from Haryana.

Haryana has had a tradition of sending men from families, especially in rural areas, to defence forces.