NSTFDC-HPCL MoU for Tribal School Digital Infrastructure
The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding worth ₹16.01 crore to establish integrated Computer Lab-cum-Smart Classroom facilities in 29 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 11 districts of Rajasthan. The project, approved by the HPCL Board, is scheduled for completion within six months from the date of MoU signing and will benefit over 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students annually with equal gender representation.
Technical Specifications and Facilities
Each of the 29 schools will receive four smart classrooms equipped with 86-inch interactive flat panels, pre-loaded licensed software, curated open educational resources, and audio-visual equipment including speakers and webcams. Additionally, each school will have a fully networked computer laboratory with desktops and UPS backup, structured LAN, multi-function printer, furniture, air-conditioning, electrical refurbishment, and safety systems. The project includes provision of 10 tablets per school pre-loaded with coaching material for competitive examinations, along with complete internet connectivity including wiring, installation, and a one-year subscription.
Geographical Coverage and Student Impact
The schools are located across 11 districts: Alwar, Banswara, Baran, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Karauli, Pratapgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Sirohi, Tonk, and Udaipur. At full sanctioned capacity, these schools can accommodate up to 13,920 students from Classes VI to XII, most of whom are first-generation digital learners. The initiative specifically targets socio-economically disadvantaged tribal children.
Policy Alignment and Implementation Framework
The project aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which mandates integration of technology in teaching-learning, digital literacy for all, and computational thinking and coding from the middle stage. It also conforms to the common theme of "Innovative Livelihood Enhancement" prescribed by the Department of Public Enterprises for CSR activities of CPSEs during 2026–27 and 2027–28. Implementation will leverage the Ministry of Tribal Affairs ecosystem, with NSTFDC responsible for implementation and procurement, NESTS for academic validation and prevention of duplication, and the State EMRS Society and school Principals for site readiness and day-to-day use.
Signing Ceremony and Official Participation
The MoU was signed in the presence of Smt. Ranjana Chopra, Secretary, Ministry of Tribal Affairs; Shri T. Roumuan Paite, Joint Secretary, MoTA and CMD, NSTFDC; and Shri Ganesh Nagarajan, Deputy Secretary, MoTA. The HPCL delegation included Shri K.S. Shetty, Director (HR); Shri Pawan Kumar Sehgal, CGM, DCO; Shri Anupam Tiwari, CGM, CSR & PRCC; Shri Bhargav Chauhan, Manager, CSR; and Ms. Sakshi Dwivedi, Officer, CSR. The NSTFDC delegation comprised Ms. Bismita Das, AGM, Projects & CSR; Shri Himanshu Vishwakarma, Chief Manager; and Shri Vikash Ranjan, Manager, Projects & CSR.