Lok Sabha Question No. 849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-12-04
Subject: Status of EMRS Projects in Assam
Ministry: TRIBAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Shri Gaurav Gogoi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 849

TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.12.2025

## STATUS OF EMRS PROJECTS IN ASSAM

849. SHRI GAURAV GOGOI:

Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether only one out of the fifteen sanctioned Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in Assam is currently functional, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) the reasons for the delay in the construction and operationalisation of the remaining schools;
- (c) whether only Rs. 1,719 crore out of the allocation of Rs. 6,399 crore for EMRSs nationwide in 2024-25 has been utilised, if so, the details thereof and the reasons for underutilisation of funds; and
- (d) the steps being taken to ensure timely completion and functioning of all sanctioned EMRSS in Assam to prevent disruption in access to quality residential education for tribal students?

## ANSWER

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

- (a) Out of the 17 EMRSs sanctioned in Assam, the following six EMRSs are currently functional:
- (b) Main  reasons  for  the  delay  in  the  construction  of  EMRSs  are  non-availability  of  appropriate/ encumbrance-free land, lack of proper approach roads, topography challenges etc.
- (c) Total budgetary allocation for EMRSs nation-wide for financial year 2024-25 (RE) was Rs. 4748.92 Crore, out of which an expenditure of Rs. 4712.59 Crore was made during the year.
- (d) Several  initiatives  have  been  undertaken  for  timely  construction  of  EMRSs  and  making  them functional in Assam viz:-
- Construction of EMRSs has been entrusted to CPWD, State Government agencies, and other PSUs to ensure professional execution and accountability.
- Comprehensive review and monitoring mechanisms put in place to ensure timely completion of projects.
- Coordination with State Governments to resolve land, forest clearance, and encroachment issues delaying construction.
- Fast tracking payment process through introduction of separate escrow account for each project.
- Independent Third-Party Quality Assurance (TPQA) agencies engaged to monitor construction quality.
- 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 440 newly sanctioned schools.
- Additional funds sanctioned under Article 275(1) for construction of staff quarters, boys' and girls' hostels, approach roads, water facilities, and to bridge other infrastructural gaps in old EMRSs.
- Structural audits conducted for completed and ongoing buildings to identify and rectify deficiencies

|   S.No. | District      | Block/ Taluka               |
|---------|---------------|-----------------------------|
|       1 | Baksa         | Barama                      |
|       2 | Baksa         | Jalah (Pt)                  |
|       3 | Barpeta       | Bajali                      |
|       4 | Dhemaji       | Jonai (Murkongselek)        |
|       5 | Dima Hasao    | Haflong (Diyang Valley)     |
|       6 | Karbi Anglong | Howraghat Lumbajong (Diphu) |

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