Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey today informed in Lok Sabha that in the Union Budget 2018–19, the Government of India decided to establish Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) from class VI to XII, in blocks having more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, as per the 2011 Census. As on date, 723 EMRSs have already been sanctioned out of which 499 are functional through own or rented buildings. Remaining EMRSs are at various stages of construction. Delay in completion of EMRSs are largely due to non-availability of encumbrance-free land, lack of proper approach roads, topography challenges etc.

EMRSs have the provision of well-equipped campuses having modern design spread over 15 acres, with a capacity of 480 students from Classes VI to XII which includes separate Boys’ and Girls’ Hostels, integrated dining and kitchen facilities, quarters for teaching and non-teaching staff, well-ventilated classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories and library to support academic learning.

 The Government has taken note of the observations and recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee regarding issues related to land acquisition, forest rights, and geographical challenges affecting timely establishment of EMRSs. Steps have been taken to ensure close coordination with State Governments for resolution of land and forest clearance issues, prioritization of feasible sites, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms.

31 teaching posts and 21 non-teaching posts per EMRS have been sanctioned for EMRSs with classes up to XII having a full strength of 480 students. First phase of recruitment of teaching and non- teaching staff has been completed and second phase of recruitment has been initiated. In addition, State Governments have also been advised to engage staff on deputation and through outsourcing against the vacancies so that academic activities are not hampered.

NESTS provides training to teaching and non-teaching staff as per National Education Policy (NEP) Guidelines and requirements in residential system in schools. As on date, around 4455 teaching and non-teaching staff have been trained. The training is delivered with the support of subject experts from premier institutes like ISTM, Delhi University, IITs, Central Institute of Education, NCERT and CBSE etc. The training module includes interactive sessions on practical learning, student well-being, tribal sensitization and use of technology in education etc.

In the State of Rajasthan, 31 EMRSs have been sanctioned and all are functional.

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RN/