STRENGTHENING AND EXPANSION OF EMRSs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) scheme to deliver quality education to tribal students in their native environment while preserving local art and culture. EMRSs are set up in blocks with >50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (Census 2011). To date, 728 EMRSs have been approved, of which 508 are functional. Institutional reforms include the creation of the autonomous National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), State EMRS Societies, District EMRS Committees, comprehensive operational guidelines, and a centralized staff recruitment mechanism (ESSE). Digital learning is being strengthened with 284 smart classrooms, digital boards, internet‑enabled labs and the Eklavya TV channel. Recurring grants are released directly to schools, and 9,111 teaching and non‑teaching staff have been recruited, with examinations underway for another 7,267 positions.