Lok Sabha Question No. 919 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-24
Subject: Establishment of New EMRS
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Smt. Malvika Devi

## 919. SMT. MALVIKA DEVI:

Will the Minister of Tribal Affairs be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  new  Eklavya  Model  Residential  Schools  (EMRSs)  started  in  the  last  quarter  and  the number of schools planned for the coming financial year;
- (b)  the  steps  being  taken  to  ensure  that  EMRSs schools are at par with the schools functioning in urban areas and are equipped with smart classrooms and e-libraries to ensure quality education for tribal students; and
- (c) the steps being taken to preserve ancient tribal languages which are being forgotten and whether there is any  provision  to  teach  tribal  languages  and  culture  specific  to  the  region  in  the  EMRS  located  in  those areas?

## ANSWER

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

(a) A total of 2 EMRSs have been made functional in the last quarter. The National Education Society for Tribal  Students  (NESTS),  established  as  an  autonomous  society  under  Ministry  of  Tribal  Affairs  to establish,  endow,  maintain,  control  and  manage  the  EMRSs  across  the  country,  has  urged  the  State Governments to make all the approved EMRSs functional.

(b)  To  ensure  their  equitable  access  to  quality  education  and  holistic  development  for  tribal  students, following facilities are provided in EMR schools: -

## 1. Educational Infrastructure:

- o Well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids.
- o Science and computer laboratories.
- o Libraries with diverse learning resources.

## 2. Accommodation and Amenities:

- o Residential facilities for students and staff.
- o Separate  hostels  for  boys  and  girls  with  essential  amenities  like  bedding,  furniture,  and hygiene facilities.
3. Sports and Extracurricular Facilities:
- o Playgrounds and sports equipment.
- o Facilities for extracurricular activities like music, art, and sports
4. Health and Nutrition:
- o Regular health check-ups and medical facilities.
5. IT and Digital Learning:
- o Smart classrooms for digital education.
- o Computer labs with internet access.
6. Vocational Training:

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 919

TO BE ANSWERED ON 24/07/2025

## ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW EMRS

- o Skill development and vocational training programs to enhance employability.

As far as digital learning is concerned, the Ministry is implementing several initiatives in collaboration with other government bodies to provide tribal students with access to digital and skill-based education. These initiatives include:

- i. Free,  high-quality  digital  coaching  for  competitive  exams  such  as  IIT-JEE  and  NEET,  providing online  classes  and  academic  support  to  tribal  students.  These  efforts  aim  to  enhance  their preparedness and improve their prospects of securing admission to premier engineering and medical institutions across the country.
- ii. Provision of Smart classrooms equipped with digital boards established in partnership with ERNET, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- iii. The  Amazon  Future  Engineer  (AFE)  program  is  a  comprehensive  initiative  aimed  at  enhancing access to computer science education for undeserved and underrepresented communities. Learning Links  Foundation  (LLF)  has  implemented  the  AFE  program  in  430  EMRSs  to  provide  hands-on computer  science  education  through  interactive  modules  like  the  Hour  of  Code  and  Code-a-thon, students gain essential skills in programming and problem solving.
- iv. Set-up of 400 Skill Labs in 200 EMRSs in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE) to provide hands-on vocational training and industry-relevant skills to students.
- v. A  dedicated  DTH  TV  channel  -  EKLAVYA  (Channel  No.  32),  has  been  developed  by  CIETNCERT, exclusively for EMRS students, which provides curriculum-based learning and competitive exam content for Classes 9 th to  12 th ,  ensuring uninterrupted access to quality educational resources even in remote locations.

(c) The use of local languages in EMRSs is encouraged as part of the school's overall pedagogy, ensuring that it supports tribal students in their academic journey at these levels. In this regard, the following efforts are being made:

- i. Cultural  Festivals  and  Events  are  organized  that  celebrate  tribal  customs,  music,  dance,  art,  and cuisine, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.
- ii. Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav is celebrated for promoting language learning among tribal students through the use of regional language and technology. Supporting efforts to maintain and revive indigenous languages through language programs, education, and documentation.
- iii. Celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas to acknowledge the glorious history and cultural heritage of tribal communities.
- iv. Organization  of  various  activities  and  events  for  tribal  children  such  as  plays/skits,  drawing  and painting,  dancing,  singing,  poem  recitation,  essay  writing,  debates,  and  discussions  helps  in preserving their culture.
- v. EMRSs promote local art, culture, and traditions through extracurricular activities, cultural festivals, and integration in school activities.
- vi. States/UTs have been asked to establish tribal corner in each EMRSs across country which will serve both an educational and inspirational space, nurturing a deeper understanding and reverence for tribal heritage among students.
- vii. Learning  content  in  tribal  languages is  delivered  on dedicated  DTH  TV  channel  -  EKLAVYA (Channel No. 32) to preserve and promote linguistic diversity.
- viii. Regional language teachers have been recruited to teach local language to EMRS students.

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