Lok Sabha Question No. 3948 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-19
Subject: Progress of Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Baijayant Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3948

TO BE ANSWERED ON- 19/12/2024

## PROGRESS OF EKLAVYA MODEL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS

3948. SHRI BAIJAYANT PANDA:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the total number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) that have been operationalized during the year 2023-24, and the total student enrollment;
- (b) the total number of EMRS that have been operationalized during the year 2023-24 and the total student enrollment in the State of Odisha;
- (c) the total funds allocated for the construction and operation of EMRS schools during the FY 2024-25;
- (d) the number of teachers and support staff recruited for these schools during the year 2023-24; and
- (e) the steps being taken to improve the educational outcomes and employment opportunities for tribal students graduating from EMRS?

## ANSWER

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

- (a)  &  (b): As  on  March  2024,  a  total  of  404  Eklavya  Model  Residential  Schools  (EMRSs)  were operational across the States with a combined enrollment of 123,841 students. During the 2023-24 period, three new EMRSs were made functional by the state governments and 10,566 new students enrolled in all  the  functional  schools  including  1,130  new  students  in  Odisha.  However  no  EMRSs  were operationalized in Odisha in 2023-24. The current total enrollment of students in EMRSs in Odisha is 11,255.
- (c): National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has been established as an autonomous body  under  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  for  managing  and  implementing  scheme  of  EMRS.   NESTS releases funds to States/ UTs/ PSUs/ Construction Agencies/ State Societies as per their requirements for construction of EMRSs and recurring cost for running of the schools.

NESTS  releases  Rs.  1,09,000/-  per  student  for  recurring  grant  under  GIA-General  for  running  and maintenance of EMRSs.  Fund under GIA-CCA is released to State/Construction Agency on the basis of physical and financial progress of construction of schools.   Statement showing Budget Estimate (BE) and actual amount spent under GIA-General, GIA-Capital and GIA-Salary.

| Expenditure Head   | Budget Estimated (BE) 2024-25   | Actual Amount Released till Nov-2024   |
|--------------------|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| GIA-CCA            | 4,660.59                        | 2,150.13                               |
| GIA-General        | 1,134.19                        | 616.44                                 |
| GIA-Salary         | 604.22                          | 193.66                                 |
| Total              | 6,399.00                        | 2,960.24                               |

- (d): Department of Expenditure has approved creation of 38,480 posts in phase-wise manner by the year 2026-27 for all EMRSs. Accordingly, NESTS, initiated recruitment process of 10391 teaching and non-  teaching  staff  for the operational schools  and 9023 eligible  candidates  have  been  issued appointment cum posting orders in the month of June 2024.
- (e): NESTS  has  initiated  several initiatives  which contribute  to  a comprehensive  and  well-rounded educational experience for tribal students studying in EMRS schools.

NESTS is providing vocational skill education to students, which is aimed at enhancing their skill sets.

The Jan Jatiya Yuva Antriksha Karyakram (Jayakar) program inspires students by introducing them to space science and technology through interactive and hands-on activities.

A joint initiative by the Department of Science and Technology and IIT Roorkee, iHUB Divya Sampark aims to set up experience centers and labs in EMRS schools, offering tribal students access to cuttingedge scientific tools and resources.

NESTS has initiated professional coaching programs, offering free coaching and scholarships for JEE and NEET aspirants from EMRSs, particularly for students in classes XI and XII.

Ministry of Tribal Affairs has several scholarship schemes (can be accessed at https://tribal.nic.in/ScholarshiP.aspx) for tribal students (including those passing out of EMRS) which provide support for higher education beyond the school level. These scholarships encourage students to pursue further studies in various fields, enhancing their career prospects.

*****