Lok Sabha Question No. 124 (STARRED), answered on 2025-02-13
Subject: Establishment of new EMRS in Karnataka
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Govind Makthappa Karjol

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO- *124 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 13/02/2025

## ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW EMRS IN KARNATAKA

*124. SHRI GOVIND MAKTHAPPA KARJOL:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the steps taken by the Government to establish new Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Challakere of Chitradurga district in Karnataka;
- (b) the number of EMRS that have been functioning in Karnataka and the total student enrollments in the said State, district-wise;
- (c) the list of blocks in Karnataka with more than fifty per cent Scheduled Tribe (ST) population as per the 2011 Census;
- (d) the details of the funds allocated for the construction and operation of EMRS in Karnataka; and
- (e)  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve  the  educational  outcomes  and employment opportunities for tribal students graduating from these EMRS?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SH. JUAL ORAM)

- (a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*124  FOR  13/02/2025  RAISED  BY  SHRI  GOVIND  MAKTHAPPA  KARJOL REGARDING" ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW EMRS IN KARNATAKA".

(a) In Union Budget of 2018-19, Government of India announced that to provide quality education to the tribal children in their own environment, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) will be established in every  block having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (as per census 2011).  The scheme was approved by the Cabinet on 17.12.2018.

As  per  the  2011  Census,  no  block  in  Chitradurga  district  meets  the  twin  criteria  for  EMRS establishment.  However,  one  EMRS  in  Hiriyur  block  was  approved  by  the  Ministry  of  Tribal Affairs under Article 275(1) in 2010-11 and has been operational since 2016-17.

- (b) There are 12 nos. of EMRSs operational in Karnataka State. The district wise status of EMRS is as under:-
- (c) As per census 2011, none of the  Community Development (CD) blocks have more than fifty per cent Scheduled Tribe (ST) population.
- (d) Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) was introduced in the year 1997-98 to provide quality upper primary, secondary and senior secondary level education to Scheduled Tribes (ST) students (Class 6th to 12th) in remote areas to enable them to access the best opportunities in education and to bring them at par with the general population.  Prior to 2020-21, the scheme of EMRS was a component  under  Grants  under  Article  275(1)  of  the  Constitution  of  India  and therefore no separate budget allocation was made for the scheme of EMRS. All EMRSs in the State of Karnataka have been sanctioned under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution.

|   S. No. | Name of District   |   No. of EMRSs functional |   Total students enrolled |
|----------|--------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|
|        1 | Ballari            |                         1 |                       366 |
|        2 | Belagavi           |                         1 |                       447 |
|        3 | Chamarajanagar     |                         1 |                       390 |
|        4 | Chikkamagaluru     |                         1 |                       347 |
|        5 | Chitradurga        |                         1 |                       382 |
|        6 | Kalaburagi         |                         1 |                       331 |
|        7 | Kodagu             |                         1 |                       340 |
|        8 | Kolar              |                         1 |                       410 |
|        9 | Mysuru             |                         1 |                       383 |
|       10 | Raichur            |                         1 |                       404 |
|       11 | Tumakuru           |                         1 |                       384 |
|       12 | Yadgir             |                         1 |                       340 |

National  Education  Society  for  Tribal  Students  (NESTS),  an  autonomous  organization  under Ministry, manages and implements the scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS). Ministry  releases  funds  to  NESTS  and  NESTS  further  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.

The details of fund released to Karnataka State Society for operation of EMRS is as follows:

| Year                      | Amount (Rs. in Lakhs)   |
|---------------------------|-------------------------|
| 2020-21                   | 2,495.83                |
| 2021-22                   | 3,672.86                |
| 2022-23                   | 1,529.92                |
| 2023-24                   | 1,450.00                |
| 2024-25 (Till 31.01.2025) | 3,050.00                |
| Total                     | 12,198.61               |

- (e) NESTS has implemented various initiatives to improve the educational outcomes and equip tribal students with essential skills for future employment opportunities. These programs focus on emerging technologies, vocational education, competitive exam preparation, and career guidance, as detailed below:
1. CBSE Affiliation for EMRSs: Between 2018 and 2024, a total of 361 EMRSs secured affiliation with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This affiliation ensures uniform  curriculum  implementation,  standardized  educational  practices,  and  enhanced academic support across all schools. By aligning with CBSE standards, EMRSs provide
- students  with  improved  learning  outcomes,  better  access  to  national-level  academic resources, and greater opportunities for higher education.
2. Amazon Future Engineering Program: In collaboration with Learning links Foundation, this program introduces students to emerging technologies such as block- based coding, artificial intelligence, coding, and block programming, fostering future-ready coding skills. The  curriculum  is  tailored  to  inspire  interest  in  technology  and  innovation,  providing hands-on  learning  experiences.  Through  workshops,  interactive  sessions,  and  projectbased learning, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for future tech careers.
3. Vocational  Education: Collaborating  with  the  Central  Board  of  Secondary  Education (CBSE), NESTS integrates vocational education into the EMRS curriculum. These courses cover diverse fields such as agriculture, healthcare, hospitality, and information technology, aiming to equip students with practical skills and industry-specific knowledge. By  bridging  academic  learning  with  practical  application,  students  gain  employability skills  that  open  doors  to  various  career  pathways,  especially  in  sectors  with  high  job potential.
4. Skill Labs under the SANKALP Project: In  collaboration  with  the  Ministry  of  Skill Development &  Entrepreneurship (MSDE)  and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), NESTS has initiated the establishment of 400 skill labs in 200 EMRS campuses. These labs are equipped with advanced tools and technology, offering training in areas like robotics, electronics, carpentry, and digital fabrication. The hands-on learning environment  encourages  creativity,  innovation,  and  an  entrepreneurial  mindset  among students.
5. Digital Tutoring for IIT/NEET: Recognizing the challenges faced by tribal students in accessing quality coaching for competitive exams, NESTS partnered with PACE to provide digital tutoring. This initiative focuses on preparing students for national-level exams such as IIT-JEE and NEET, which are gateways to premier engineering and medical institutions in  India.  With  expert  tutors,  customized  learning  modules,  and  regular  assessments, students receive the academic support necessary to excel in these rigorous examinations.
6. TALASH: In  collaboration  with  UNICEF  and  inspired  by  the  NCERT  "Tamanna" initiative, NESTS has implemented TALASH ,  a  digitized  platform accessible via a web portal.  Through TALASH ,  students  take  an  aptitude  test  that  generates  comprehensive career  cards,  outlining  career  paths  and  suggesting  institutions  best  suited  for  their aspirations. The pilot project has been successfully tested in four schools and is ready for rollout. In addition to psychometric testing and career counselling, the portal features two other key sections: Life Skills and Self-Esteem , alongside E-Learning materials for EMRS teachers, enhancing their ability to guide students effectively. The functionalities of these sections are outlined as follows:
- a. Career  Counselling :  The  digitalized  psychometric  assessment,  inspired  by "Tamanna," evaluates students' aptitudes in seven key areas: Language Aptitude (LA), Abstract Reasoning (AR), Verbal Reasoning (VR), Mechanical Reasoning (MR), Numerical Aptitude (NA), Spatial Aptitude (SA), and Perceptual Aptitude

(PA). Based on these results, a report card is generated, providing career cards that guide students toward suitable career trajectories.

- b. Life Skills : This section equips students with vital abilities, attitudes, and socioemotional  competencies,  enabling  them  to  make  informed  decisions,  learn effectively, and lead healthy, productive lives. Life skills also empower students to become  change  agents  in  their  communities,  promoting  mental  well-being  and supporting essential competencies such as literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy.
- c. Self-Esteem :  This  module  focuses  on  building  students'  self-confidence,  selfworth, and positive self-image. It offers tools for managing emotions, developing resilience, and cultivating a growth mindset. EMRS teachers will be provided with self-learning  materials  to  further  develop  students'  emotional  intelligence  and overall well-being.

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