The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MTA) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with tech giant Microsoft. The partnership aims to digitally transform schools under the Ministry including Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Ashram Schools. Central to this initiative is an economic framework focused on inclusion and skills development.
About the MoU
The MoU outlines several key points, with a particular focus on implementing an Artificial Intelligence curriculum for tribal students in both English and Hindi. This initiative aims to prepare educators and students for future technology trends.
In the initial phase, 250 EMRS schools have been adopted by Microsoft. Among these, 50 will receive intensive training and 500 master trainers will undergo training. Alongside the student-focused initiatives, the program will train teachers across India on productivity technologies such as Office 365 and AI applications useful in teaching.
The professional development of educators will also be emphasized, offering them opportunities to earn professional e-badges and e-certificates from the Microsoft Education Centre. Furthermore, students will be guided to work on projects that harness AI applications for societal benefits and align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Expected Benefits from this Partnership
This collaboration seeks to offer tribal students opportunities to shape their future and uplift their surrounding environment, village, and overall community. It also enables the professional growth of educators, equipping them to integrate technology into classrooms effectively.
The program is expected to significantly contribute to the success of the Digital India Mission and help lessen the gap between tribal students and their peers.
Other Educational Schemes for Tribals
In addition to the MTA-Microsoft collaboration, there are several other educational schemes aimed at providing support to tribals. These include the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship Scheme (RGNF), Vocational Training Centers in Tribal Areas, National Overseas Scholarship Scheme, and Pre and Post Matric Scholarship Schemes.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) began in 1997-98 with a mission to provide quality education to Schedule Tribes children in remote areas. The schools not only focus on academic education but also on the holistic development of students.
Under the new initiative with Microsoft, every block with more than a 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons will have an EMRS by 2022. With facilities for preserving local art and culture, sports training, and skill development, these schools aim to provide the same educational opportunities as non-ST population.
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
The Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) scheme aims to set up a Navodaya Vidyalaya in each district of the country. These residential schools offer high-quality education to rural talented children irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds including ST children.
Ashram Schools
Ashram schools are residential institutions offering free boarding, lodging, along with other facilities and incentives to students. Besides formal education, they emphasize physical activities, meditation, sight-seeing, play, sports, games, and others.
As of now, the Ministry has funded 1,205 Ashram Schools across the country, aiming to provide quality education to ST children. The Ministry provides construction costs while the State Government oversees the running and maintenance of these schools, including the selection of the medium of instruction.
