NEW DELHI (India): Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram recently held a high-level meeting to review the progress of the construction of the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country.
The meeting was convened by India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs and attended by top ranking officials, including chairmen and managing directors of public sector undertakings of the central and state governments, and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). Besides, representatives from the states of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tripura and West Bengal attended the meeting through virtual mode, according to an official press release.
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.
Oram carried out a comprehensive review of 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 progress reports and scheduled timelines for completion. The performance was reviewed for each agency and state, while the focus was on adherence to timelines, quality standards and resolution of bottlenecks.
Speaking at the meeting, Oram emphasized the importance of timely completion of EMRS projects as it plays a crucial role in providing quality education to tribal students in remote and underserved areas. He directed all executing agencies, including PSUs, CPWD and the departments of the state governments 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. 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. The minister warned that the construction agency concerned would be held accountable for any delays in the projects.
Oram said that strengthening educational infrastructure in tribal areas was critical to ensuring that tribal youth became active participants in nation-building, thereby contributing to a developed, self-reliant, and empowered India.
Ranjana Chopra, Secretary in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, pointed out that the EMRS scheme was a flagship initiative of the Ministry. She emphasized the need to resolve bottlenecks affecting progress, approach roads, water scarcity and shifting of HT/LT power lines.
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. 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 said. Verma also highlighted the steps taken by NESTS to ensure faster execution and quality construction. B. N. Prasad, Joint Secretary (EMRS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, proposed a vote of thanks.
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