Lok Sabha Question No. 3045 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-07
Subject: Dropout of Children from EMRS
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Thiru Dr. S Jagathratchakan, Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3045

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 07/08/2025

## DROPOUT OF CHILDREN FROM EMRS

## 3045. SHRI S JAGATHRATCHAKAN: ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  out  of  the  716  Eklavya  Model  Residential Schools (EMRS), only 476 are functional as per the NEST report and if so, the details thereof along with the measures taken to address it;

(b) whether there is a mechanism in place to review the quality of education, infrastructure and learning outcomes in these schools and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of initiatives taken to address infrastructural gaps, teacher shortages and the funds allocated for the purpose in EMRS during the last five years, year-wise;

- (d) the steps being taken by the Government to recruit qualified teaching staff and ensure holistic development of tribal student in EMRS;

(e) the details of the dropout of children from EMRS during the last five years, year and State/UT-wise; and

(f) the details of the initiatives taken by the Government to address the dropout of children belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in EMRS?

## ANSWER

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

(a): As of 14.07.2025, 479 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been made functional  out  of  the  728  approved  EMRSs.  The  Government  has  undertaken  several comprehensive  measures  to  operationalize  non-functional  Eklavya  Model  Residential Schools (EMRS), including accelerated infrastructure development through close monitoring and support to implementing agencies, active recruitment to fill teaching and non-teaching vacancies, and collaboration with State Governments to resolve issues related to land, infrastructure, and staffing. Regular training programs are being conducted to build the capacity of teachers and administrative staff, while adequate financial allocations and timely disbursements under the EMRS scheme are being ensured to avoid delays. A robust monitoring and review mechanism has been established to address challenges and ensure effective functioning, and digital learning facilities such as ICT tools and digital classrooms are  being  provided  to  ensure  continuity  of  education  in  the  absence  of  complete infrastructure.

(b): The  performance  of  the  Eklavya  Model  Residential  School  (EMRS)  Scheme  is assessed on the basis of key performance indicators such as student enrolment, academic outcomes,  dropout  rates,  quality  of  infrastructure  and  residential  facilities,  capacitybuilding  training  for  teachers,  and  the  implementation  of  co-curricular  and  skill-based programmes.The Scheme is regularly monitored and evaluated at the national as well as the State level, through a multi-tier mechanism, comprising the following levels:

1. Central Level - The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under this Ministry to manage and implement EMRS Scheme, oversees overall policy formulation, planning, and national-level review.
2. State  Level  -  The  State  EMRS  Societies  are  responsible  for  implementation, supervision, and coordination within the respective States.
3. District Level - The District Level EMRS Management Committees monitor and support the functioning of individual EMRSs within the districts.

In  addition,  digital  dashboards  are  used  to  capture  real-time  data,  enabling  continuous tracking, performance evaluation, and timely interventions.

These mechanisms ensure a structured review of the functioning of EMRSs and aid in identifying areas requiring improvement. To further strengthen the implementation of the Scheme, several measures have been undertaken, including enhanced budgetary allocations  for  infrastructure  development,  regular  capacity-building  programmes  for teachers,  and  a  special  focus  on  Science,  Technology,  Engineering,  and  Mathematics (STEM) education.

(c): To  address  infrastructural  gaps  in  EMRSs,  including  expediting  construction, strengthening quality monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring timely provision of essential facilities such as hostels, classrooms, and staff quarters, the following initiatives have been taken:-

- i. The construction cost of EMRSs was enhanced in 2021-22 to ₹37.80 crore in plain areas and ₹48 crore in hilly areas (from earlier ₹20 crore and ₹24 crore) for schools approved in 2018-19.
- ii. Construction of EMRSs has been entrusted to CPWD, State Government agencies, and other PSUs to ensure professional execution and accountability.
- iii. Coordination with State Governments to resolve land, forest clearance, and encroachment issues delaying construction.
- iv. Provision of funds for upgradation of old EMRSs at ₹5 crore per school.
- v. Additional funds sanctioned under Article 275(1) for construction of staff quarters, boys' and girls' hostels, approach roads, water facilities, and to bridge infrastructural gaps in old EMRSs.
- vi. Comprehensive review and monitoring mechanisms put in place to ensure timely completion of projects.
- vii. Independent Third Party Quality Assurance (TPQA) agencies engaged to monitor construction quality.
- viii. Structural audits conducted for completed and ongoing buildings to identify and rectify deficiencies.
- ix. Capacity building of implementing agencies and regular review meetings to expedite progress.
- x. Simplification of the payment process through introduction of escrow accounts.
- xi. NESTS carried out its first drive for direct recruitment of 10391 posts through ESSE-2023 and staff selected have been posted in various EMRSs. In addition to the direct recruitment, NESTS also has advised State Governments to depute staff on deputation. Further, directions have been issued to State EMRS Society to engage guest teachers against vacancies, and non-teaching staff on outsourcing basis/local engagement, so that academic activities are not hampered.

## Fund Allocated during the last 5 years

| Financial YearRs.   | in crore   |
|---------------------|------------|
| 2020-21             | 1,200.00   |
| 2021-22             | 1,153.00   |
| 2022-23             | 1,999.90   |
| 2023-24             | 2,471.81   |
| 2024-25             | 4,748.92   |

(d): NESTS has also recruited teaching and non-teaching staff for EMRSs through the centralized  all  India  recruitment  exam  during  2023-24.  Since,  these  staff  are  selected through  open  examination,  best  quality  teachers  have  been  selected  to  teach  in  these schools. Against the remaining vacancies, if any, guest teachers are engaged to ensure that academic activities are not affected.

Further, to ensure equitable access to quality education and the holistic development of tribal students, several facilities are being provided in Eklavya Model Residential Schools. These include well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids, science and computer laboratories, and libraries with a wide range of learning resources. Residential facilities are available for both students and staff, with separate hostels for boys and girls, furnished with essential amenities such as bedding, furniture, and hygiene provisions. To promote physical and extracurricular development, schools are equipped with playgrounds, sports equipment, and spaces for activities like music, art, and other cultural programs. Regular health check-ups and access to medical facilities are ensured to safeguard students' wellbeing. In support of digital education, smart classrooms and computer labs with internet access are provided. Additionally, vocational training and skill development programs are conducted to enhance the employability of students.

(e): As reported by NESTS, the State/UT-wise details of dropout rates of students for the last five years are at Annexure-I.

(f): The Government, through the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) and State Societies, is  taking  several  targeted  measures  to  reduce  dropout  rates  among children of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs). A 5% reservation in admissions has been mandated for PVTG students, and guidelines for EMRS admissions for the academic year 2025-26 have been issued to all State EMRS Societies to ensure strict adherence to this provision. State Governments have  been  advised  to  increase  enrolment  of  PVTG  students  and  to  run  awareness campaigns highlighting the range of facilities offered by EMRSs. These include safe and well-equipped  hostel  accommodations,  particularly  for  girls;  quality  education  aligned with the CBSE curriculum to prepare students for higher studies and competitive exams; and the provision of nutritious food to support student health. ICT-based education is being introduced to promote digital literacy and future readiness. In addition, excursions, sports events,  and  cultural  activities  are  being  organized  to  maintain  student  engagement  and motivation, while also preserving tribal heritage through creative expression. A 1:1 gender ratio  in  admissions is mandated to ensure equal opportunities for girls. Efforts are also being made to mobilize tribal communities through outreach programs in remote areas. Schools and hostels are being constructed in inaccessible regions to improve access, and students are provided with free education, boarding, uniforms, books, and meals to remove financial barriers. Vocational training and modern subjects such as artificial intelligence and coding are being introduced to attract students and prepare them for future careers. Counselling programs are in place to guide students about career options, and infrastructure is being upgraded along with timely recruitment of qualified teachers to enhance learning outcomes.

Annexure as referred in part (e) of the reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred question No. 3045 raised by Shri S Jagathratchakan and Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi regarding 'Dropout of Children from EMRS'.

State/UT-wise details of dropout rates of students

| S. No.   | State                              | 2024-25   | 2023-24   | 2022-23   | 2021-22      | 2020-21            |
|----------|------------------------------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|--------------|--------------------|
| 1        | Andhra Pradesh                     | 66        | 7         | -         | - maintained | Data not centrally |
| 2        | Chhattisgarh                       | 88        | 46        | 17        | 2            |                    |
| 3        | Dadra &Nagar Haveli and Daman &Diu | 5         | -         | -         | -            |                    |
| 4        | Gujarat                            | 7         | 20        | 6         | -            |                    |
| 5        | Himachal Pradesh                   | 2         | -         | -         | -            |                    |
| 6        | Jammu &Kashmir                     | 3         | 1         | -         | -            |                    |
| 7        | Jharkhand                          | 6         | 5         | 30        | 25           |                    |
| 8        | Karnataka                          | 9         | 2         | 9         | 23           |                    |
| 9        | Kerala                             | -         | -         | -         | -            |                    |
| 10       | Madhya Pradesh                     | 71        | 42        | 101       | 14           |                    |
| 11       | Maharashtra                        | 68        | 24        | 8         | 3            |                    |
| 12       | Manipur                            | 6         | 7         | 1         | 1            |                    |
| 13       | Mizoram                            | 13        | 1         | -         | -            |                    |
| 14       | Nagaland                           | 1         | 3         | -         | 2            |                    |
| 15       | Odisha                             | 87        | 84        | 24        | 6            |                    |
| 16       | Rajasthan                          | 45        | 23        | 29        | 2            |                    |
| 17       | Sikkim                             | 2         | 1         | -         | -            |                    |
| 18       | Tamil Nadu                         | 1         | 14        | -         | -            |                    |
| 19       | Telangana                          | 37        | 31        | 8         | -            |                    |
| 20       | Tripura                            | 12        | 2         | 1         | -            |                    |
| 21       | Uttar Pradesh                      | 18        | 7         | 4         | 33           |                    |
| 22       | Uttarakhand                        | -         | 1         | -         | -            |                    |
| 23       | West Bengal                        | 5         | 8         | 3         | -            |                    |
|          | Grand Total                        | 552       | 329       | 241       | 111          |                    |

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