House Panel Urges Centre to Accelerate Eklavya Model Residential Schools

A Parliamentary Standing Committee report tabled in both Houses highlighted severe infrastructure delays in the implementation of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme. The panel expressed strong dissatisfaction over 118 approved schools continuing to function from temporary government or rented buildings rather than dedicated permanent campuses.

EMRS was launched in 1997-98 to provide quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote tribal areas. Every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons is targeted to have an Eklavya school under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, bringing parity with Navodaya Vidyalayas.

The report highlighted delays in land identification, environmental clearances, and construction progress managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS). It recommended streamlined coordination between state tribal departments and central nodal agencies to ensure timely completion of infrastructure.

Education and social empowerment schemes form a core pillar of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper II and Prelims government schemes questions. Aspirants must track targeted parameters, implementation agencies, and challenges faced by indigenous education initiatives.