The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar has stated that during the period of 2021-22, the cost of constructing Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) under the Central Sector Scheme was increased from Rs. 20 crore to Rs. 37.80 crore in plain areas and from Rs. 24 crores to Rs. 48 crores in Hilly, Northeast (NE) and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas.
The decision to enhance the cost was made to ensure that all aspects of the school, including construction, sports and co-curricular facilities, hostel accommodation for both girls and boys, principal quarters, teaching and non-teaching staff quarters, guest house, and other activities, were given adequate attention in order to promote the holistic development of tribal students.
This information was disclosed by the Union Minister in a written response to a question posed in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
According to Dr. Bharati, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is responsible for implementing the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), which aims to provide quality education to tribal students in their own environment.
These schools are established with the same standards as Navodaya Vidyalayas and offer specialized training in sports and skill development, she said.
Under the new central sector scheme of EMRS, the infrastructure has been improved to create a conducive environment by setting standard norms for the school’s construction, including the campus layout, built-up area, facade design, and material specifications.
To manage and implement the scheme of EMRS, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organization, has been established, the Minister mentioned.
According to NESTS, a total of 694 EMRSs have been sanctioned in different States/Union Territories (UTs) in the country as of today, out of which 401 are operational and construction of 271 EMRSs has been completed out of a total number of 694 EMRSs that have been sanctioned in different States/UTs in the country.
The Ministry provides funds to NESTS, which, in turn, releases funds to States, UTs, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Construction Agencies, and State Societies for the construction of EMRSs and running the schools.
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