The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are a response to the socio-economic development of the Scheduled Tribes (STs), the most underprivileged groups in India. The schools aim to impart quality education to ST children and provide them with opportunities at par with non-ST populations. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
Objectives:
The primary objective of EMRS is to provide quality middle and high level education to ST students in remote areas. This will enable them to avail of reservation in high and professional educational courses and as jobs in government and public and private sectors. The schools aim to achieve this by:
- Comprehensive physical, mental and socially relevant development of students
- Focusing differentially on the educational support to students in Standards XI and XII and those in Standards VI to X
- Supporting the annual running expenses for the school, including staff remuneration and facility upkeep
- Supporting the construction of infrastructure for education, physical, environmental and cultural needs of students
Coverage of the Scheme:
As per existing EMRS Guidelines of 2010, at least one EMRS is to be set up in each Integrated Tribal Development Agency/Integrated Tribal Development Project having 50% ST population in the area. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has recognised 163 priority districts with 25% or more ST population for the implementation of tribal development programmes, including EMRSs. By the year 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons will have an EMRS.
Structure of EMRSs:
Admission to these schools will be through selection/competition, with a suitable provision for preference to children belonging to Primitive Tribal Groups, first-generation students, etc. Education in these schools will be entirely free. The number of seats for boys and girls will be equal, and every class can have a maximum of 60 students, preferably in two sections of 30 students each. The maximum sanctioned strength of each school is 480 students. The schools may be affiliated either to the State or Central Boards of Secondary Education.
Management and Running of EMRS:
The State Governments/UT Administration will be responsible for the management and effective functioning of the EMRSs. They may opt for any feasible mode of management, such as autonomous education societies, public-private partnership with reputed educational institutions, or in arrangement with the State Department of Education. A Management Committee may be constituted for each EMRS, which could include local NGOs involved with education.
The Eklavya Model Residential Schools are a crucial step towards the holistic empowerment of India’s Scheduled Tribes. The schools aim to provide quality education and opportunities at par with non-ST populations, thereby promoting the overall development of the tribal population in the country. The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, and is supported by various provisions to ensure its success.