Delhi, May 5: Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress of construction of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country on Tuesday.
The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and attended by CMDs/MDs and senior officials of Central and State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and representatives from the States of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tripura, and West Bengal through virtual mode.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to provide quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas from Class VI to XII. The scheme aims to bridge educational gaps and promote holistic development, including academics, sports, and skills of tribal children.
The Hon’ble Union Minister comprehensively reviewed the physical and financial progress of ongoing EMRS construction works. During the meeting, major executing agencies such as CPWD, HSCL, TCIL, WAPCOS, B&R, EPIL, MANIDCO, MTDC, NPCC, and State Government agencies presented their progress and scheduled timelines for completion.
Agency-wise and State-wise performance was reviewed, with a focus on adherence to timelines, quality standards and resolution of bottlenecks.
The Union Minister emphasized on the importance of timely completion of EMRS projects as it play a crucial role in providing quality education to tribal students in remote and underserved areas. He directed all executing agencies, including PSUs, CPWD, and State Government departments, to expedite construction activities by optimizing the deployment of manpower and resources at project sites. He also instructed senior officials to undertake frequent field visits for close monitoring.
The Minister further directed State officials to resolve all pending issues at the State level on priority, including matters related to land and forest clearances.
Construction agencies were instructed to submit updated monthly progress reports of all ongoing projects, along with EMRS-wise issues and action plans for timely completion, to the Ministry/NESTS. Concerened construction agency will be held accountable for delays in the projects.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to tribal welfare, the Hon’ble Union Minister stated that EMRSs are a transformative initiative aimed at empowering tribal children through access to high-quality residential education.
Oram noted that the expansion of EMRSs is aligned with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for Viksit Bharat 2047, which places strong emphasis on inclusive and equitable development. He highlighted that strengthening educational infrastructure in tribal areas is critical to ensuring that tribal youth become active participants in nation-building, thereby contributing to a developed, self-reliant, and empowered India.
Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, highlighted that the EMRS scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry. She emphasized on resolving bottlenecks affecting project progress i.e approach roads, water scarcity, and shifting of HT/LT power lines needs to be resolved at earliest. She urged executing agencies to coordinate closely with State Governments and district authorities to resolve these issues in a time-bound manner. She also emphasized the use of the PM Gati Shakti portal for EMRS projects.
Dr Pratima Verma, Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), presented the overall status of construction and the scheduled plan of action for completion. It was informed that the Ministry has approved 728 EMRSs, out of which construction of 428 school buildings has been completed, 249 are under construction, and 46 are at the pre-construction stage. She also highlighted steps taken by NESTS to ensure faster execution and quality construction.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chair by B. N. Prasad, Joint Secretary (EMRS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
