The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri. Jual Oram today laid a statement on the Table of Rajya Sabha that in the Union Budget 2018–19, the Government announced a significant expansion of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Scheme with the objective of providing quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children from classes VI to XII in their own socio-cultural environment. Accordingly, it was envisaged to establish an EMRS in each block having more than 50 per cent ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons (twin criteria) as per the Census 2011.

Pursuant to this announcement, the Government has approved the establishment of 728 EMRSs (including 288 old EMRSs) across the country to enhance access to quality education for ST students, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

As on date, a total of 723 EMRSs have been sanctioned, out of which 499 schools are functional and 458 EMRSs are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The establishment of EMRSs is guided by block-level twin criteria. Ministry has already sanctioned more than one EMRS in various tribal-dominated districts as per the said criteria. The adequacy of the number of EMRSs is reviewed by the Government from time to time based on prescribed norms.

The expansion of EMRSs to 728 identified blocks reflects the substantial effort made by the Government to meet educational needs of ST students in underserved areas. The Government remains committed to strengthening educational infrastructure for ST students through targeted interventions including the EMRS scheme.

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RN/