Lok Sabha Question No. 533 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-07-25
Subject: Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Maddila Gurumoorthy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 533

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 25/07/2024

## EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

## 533 SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)the initiatives  undertaken to establish and manage schools under the umbrella of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Eklavya Model Day Boarding Schools (EMDBS);

(b) whether the Government ensure the delivery of quality modern education with a strong emphasis on values, environmental awareness, adventure activities, and physical education to talented tribal children from predominantly rural areas, regardless of their socio-economic background; and

(c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY)

(a) to (c): Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) to provide quality education to the tribal children. Earlier EMRS was a component under Article 275(1) of the Constitution. Under the new scheme, Government decided to establish one EMRS in every block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011). Accordingly, Ministry has set the target to set up 728 EMRSs across the country by the year 2026. As on date, a total number of 708 EMRSs have been sanctioned across the country, out of which 405 schools are reported  to  be  functional.  Additionally,  to  encourage  tribal  students  in  sports  and  provide  them  with  a platform to enhance their capabilities, Ministry has decided to set up 15 Centre of Excellence for Sports (CoE for Sports)  in  EMRSs.  National  Education  Society  for Tribal  Students  (NESTS),  an  autonomous organization, has been created to manage and implement the scheme of EMRS.

Eklavya Model Day Boarding Schools (EMDBS) have been merged with EMRS w.e.f. 29.04.2022, and major initiatives undertaken to establish and manage EMRSs are outlined as under:

i.  Schools are set up with a capacity of 480 students (equal number of boys and girls), catering to students from Class VI to XII.

ii. The school Infrastructure will include classroom, Adminsitartive block, Hostel for boys and girls, play ground,  accommodation for teaching and  non teaching staff,  Labs  etc facilities  catering  to  the  need  of academic education as well as extracurricular activities.

iv.  Construction  grant  of  Rs  37.80  cr  for  plain  area  and  Rs.  48  cr  for  Northeast,  Hilly  and  Left  Wing Extremism affected areas are given.

- v.   Recurring grant is Rs.1.09 lakhs per student per annum.

vi.  As reported by NESTS, recruitment of over 8000 teaching and non-teaching staff across all EMRSs completed so far.

The  following  activities  are  introduced  in  the  scheme  of  EMRS  to  ensure  delivery  of  quality  modern education with a strong emphasis on values, environmental awareness, adventure activities, and physical education to talented tribal  children  from  predominantly  rural  areas,  regardless  of  their  socio-economic background:

- i.   Implementation of a modern curriculum in line with the CBSE standards.
- ii.   Uniform curriculum and educational standards across all schools.
- iii.  Integration of modern technological interventions such as Direct-to-Home (DTH) education.
- iv.  Online tutoring for competitive exams like IIT, NEET etc.
- v.  Use of smartboards for interactive learning.

vi. Provision of skill development programs tailored to enhance the employability and practical skills of students.

- vii.  Specialized training in various fields to prepare students for future career opportunities.
- viii. Development of infrastructure facilities for both indoor and outdoor sports.
- ix.  Encouragement and support for students to participate in national and international sports events.
- x.   Comprehensive sports training to nurture athletic talent.

xi. Initiative for setting up 'Poshan Vatikas' in EMRSs has been undertaken. The primary objective behind setting up of Poshan Vatikas is to preserve the local varieties of plants and harness knowledge of medicinal and nutritional plants in the remotest areas. Furthermore, a significant adventure initiative involved sending 58 students from 8 states to undergo a 26-day 'Basic Mountaineering Course' at ABVIMAS in Manali.

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