Schemes & Policies

House Panel Urges Centre to Accelerate Eklavya Model Residential Schools

11 August 2026UPSCSSC

In Brief

Parliamentary Standing Committee raised concerns over 118 Eklavya schools operating from temporary structures, urging fast action.

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.

UPSC Study NotesHIGHGS2 — Social Justice & Governance

GS2 — Social Justice & Governance

📌 Exam Angle

Prelims can test EMRS eligibility criteria like the 50% ST population threshold, central nodal agencies, and ministry jurisdiction. Mains GS2 can frame questions on infrastructural bottlenecks in tribal welfare schemes and policy measures to bridge educational disparities among Scheduled Tribes.

⚠️ Key Concerns

Implementation is crippled by land acquisition delays, environmental clearance hurdles, and weak inter-agency coordination. Consequently, 118 approved EMRS operate from temporary or rented premises, undermining structural safety and quality residential education.

💡 Why It Matters

Quality tribal education is indispensable for upholding Article 46 constitutional guarantees and reducing regional human development deficits. Overcoming governance deficits in EMRS ensures inclusive growth and integrates marginalized indigenous communities into national development.

🔑 Must Remember

• Benchmark: Blocks with over 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal residents. • Nodal Authority: National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. • Model Parity: Provides free quality middle and high school education on par with Navodaya Vidyalayas.

📝 Key Terms

Eklavya Model Residential SchoolsNESTSScheduled TribesMinistry of Tribal AffairsArticle 46Infrastructure DeficitSocial JusticeInclusive Growth

House Panel Urges Centre to Accelerate Eklavya Model Residential Schools

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