The Government of India continues to strengthen access to quality residential education and hostel facilities for students belonging to Scheduled Castes and tribal communities through various Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes.

Under the hostel component of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), financial assistance is provided for constructing new hostels for Scheduled Caste students. Proposals are approved based on need-assessment surveys and recommendations received from State Governments, Union Territory Administrations and Central Universities.

During the last five years, two hostels for Scheduled Caste students—one for boys and another for girls—were sanctioned in Hyderabad, Telangana. These hostels have a combined capacity of 500 seats, and ₹7.50 crore has been released for their construction.

Under the existing PM-AJAY guidelines, fresh proposals are considered for constructing hostels, while no provision exists for upgrading or expanding existing SC hostels. However, implementing agencies may receive Central assistance for repairing operational hostels sanctioned under the scheme once every five years after their operationalisation.

The Government is also implementing the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) to provide quality residential education to meritorious Scheduled Caste students. The scheme operates through two modes. Under the first mode, fees are reimbursed to private residential schools affiliated with the CBSE or State Boards. Under the second mode, grants-in-aid are provided to Non-Governmental Organisations and Voluntary Organisations for running residential and non-residential schools and hostels for SC students.

For tribal students, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the Central Sector Scheme of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS). These schools provide quality residential education to tribal boys and girls and are established in eligible tribal-dominated blocks.

A total of 728 EMRSs have been approved across the country, of which 508 are functional. In Telangana, all 23 sanctioned EMRSs are functional, with 10,199 students enrolled during the 2025–26 academic session.

EMRSs affiliated with the CBSE completed self-assessment under the School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework during 2025–26. The framework evaluates schools across seven domains: curriculum, pedagogy and assessment; infrastructure; human resources; inclusive practices; management and governance; leadership; and beneficiary satisfaction.

The implementation of PM-AJAY is monitored through national and regional conferences, Chintan Shivirs, monthly reviews with States and Union Territories, and designated committees at the Central, State and district levels.

The functioning of EMRSs is monitored through the National Education Society for Tribal Students, State EMRS Societies and District-Level EMRS Committees. Centralised recruitment, operational guidelines, capacity-building programmes and the direct release of recurring grants to schools have also been instituted to strengthen management, accountability and the timely availability of funds.

Through these initiatives, the Government remains committed to expanding educational opportunities, improving residential infrastructure and enabling students from disadvantaged communities to pursue quality education in a supportive environment.

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PR-79-TAR/KV/GA/RK

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