Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs  Shri Durgadas Uikey informed Lok Sabha today that  a total of 7083 teaching staff were recruited through ESSE-2023, out of which 2765 female teaching staff have been recruited.

Service conditions for teachers and other staff are determined by the Governing Body of National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS).

Out of 499 functional EMRSs, 458 EMRSs are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The remaining schools are affiliated with the respective State Boards, particularly in Bihar, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

As reported by the respective States, during 2024–25, the pass percentage of EMRS students for Class X was 89% and for Class XII, it was 85%. 129 EMRSs have achieved 100% result in Class – X and 72 EMRSs have achieved 100% result in Class – XII. In the same year, 219 EMRS students qualified IIT-JEE (Main), 34 cleared IIT-JEE (Advanced), and 344 students qualified the NEET examination.

EMRS are carrying out various curricular and extra-curricular activities which include the JAYAKAR Programme which was launched in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to promote space education among EMRS students. Focused preparation for IIT-JEE and NEET is provided through Centres of Excellence established in various states. 26 Atal Tinkering Labs equipped with STEM kits, AI modules, electronics, and 3D printers for hands-on learning have been established. Through the Amazon Future Engineer Programme, structured AI and coding curricula have been implemented. In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), NESTS has established 400 skill labs under the SANKALP Project in 200 EMRS campuses. These labs are equipped with advanced tools and technology, offering training in areas like robotics, electronics, carpentry, and digital fabrication. The hands-on learning environment encourages creativity, innovation, and an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

Various extra-curricular activities/initiatives have been undertaken over the period in these schools to build leadership, resilience and confidence among students. These include mountaineering and adventure courses, National Cultural & Literary Festival and Kala Utsav, National Level GI-Tagged Tribal Art Workshop and Exhibition, EMRS National Sports Meet, National Level Physical Education & Yoga Olympiad, “Ek Ped MaaKe Naam” etc.

Yoga has been opted by 34 EMRSs as a skill subject across India. In addition, Yoga also forms a mandatory part of physical activity on routine basis with structured sessions conducted during the morning as well as in the evening assembly to promote physical fitness and mental health for holistic development of students.

NESTS has issued instructions to all State/UT EMRS Societies for conducting 100% screening of EMRS students for Sickle Cell Disease. The screening is undertaken through coordination with the District Administration/District Collectors, leveraging the existing public health infrastructure at the district level. The screening is conducted with the support of State/UT Governments and District Health machinery. The exercise is aimed at early identification and timely medical intervention, wherever required. Follow-up action and their medical management are undertaken as per the protocols of the concerned State/UT health authorities.

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RN/