Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda laid foundation stone for five Eklavya Residential Model Schools (EMRS) in three districts of Jharkhand.

Eklavya Residential Model Schools will revolutionise education in tribal dominated areas of the country as children of the community will be provided with the best modern education in those institutes, the minister said. 

Eklavya Model Residential Schools

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), with the capacity of 480 students in each school, are set up in states/UTs with an objective to provide quality education to tribal students in remote areas to enable them to access the best opportunities in education.

• It was initiated in 1997-98 in order to enable ST students to avail opportunities in professional courses and get employment in various sectors.

• The government has decided to set up EMRS in every block with more than 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, by 2022. 

• As per Census 2011 figures, there are 564 sub-districts — blocks / talukas / tehsils — having more than 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons.

• During 2020-21, 150 new schools have been sanctioned in identified blocks. Cumulatively, there are 588 sanctioned schools in the country out of which 285 schools are reported functional.

• EMRS for ST students are set up in states/UTs with provisioning of funds through Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.

• Eklavya schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalayas and will have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development. 

• Apart from school building, including hostels and staff quarters, provision for a playground, students’ computer lab, teacher resource room, etc are also included in Eklavya schools.

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