The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provided a comprehensive update on the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) scheme in response to a Lok Sabha question. Union Minister of State Shri Durgadas Uikey reported that 728 EMRSs have been approved nationwide, with 508 currently functional as of June 30, 2026. These schools are established in tribal-dominated blocks with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons according to Census 2011 data.
State-wise Implementation Status
The detailed state-wise breakdown shows significant variation in implementation across states. Chhattisgarh leads with 75 sanctioned and 75 functional EMRSs, followed by Madhya Pradesh (71 sanctioned, 71 functional), and Jharkhand (91 sanctioned, 51 functional). Odisha has 114 sanctioned schools with 47 operational and 45 in various construction stages. Several northeastern states show lower operational rates: Manipur (21 sanctioned, 5 functional), Meghalaya (38 sanctioned, 2 functional), and Nagaland (22 sanctioned, 3 functional).
Infrastructure and Educational Facilities
EMRSs are equipped with modern educational infrastructure including well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching aids, science and computer laboratories, libraries with diverse learning resources, and playgrounds with sports equipment. The schools feature smart classrooms for digital education, with 284 smart classrooms currently operational nationwide. Digital learning is supported through digital boards, computer labs with internet connectivity, and a dedicated DTH TV channel (Eklavya channel) providing curriculum-based learning and competitive exam content for Classes 9th to 12th.
Institutional Reforms and Governance
Significant institutional reforms have been implemented including the establishment of National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) as an autonomous organization under the Ministry to provide policy direction, academic support, and monitoring. State EMRS Societies oversee implementation and day-to-day management, while District Level EMRS Committees under District Collectors/Magistrates strengthen local oversight. A centralized recruitment mechanism through EMRS Staff Selection Examination (ESSE) has been instituted, with 9,111 teaching and non-teaching staff already recruited and examinations conducted for another 7,267 positions.
Funding and Specific Constituency Data
Total funds released to Odisha over the last five years amounted to Rs. 2,254.71 crore. In Keonjhar Lok Sabha constituency, five functional EMRSs reported total enrollments: EMRS Champua (329 students), EMRS Ranki (407), EMRS Patana (120), EMRS Karanjia (415), and EMRS Thakurmunda (120). Odisha has received 514 teaching staff in the first phase of recruitment, including 59 specifically in Keonjhar constituency EMRSs.
Construction Status by Constituency
The detailed constituency-level data shows varying implementation status. In Keonjhar Parliament Constituency, 12 EMRSs are at different stages: 4 functional (Champua, Kendujhar Sadar, Patana, Karanjia, Thakurmunda), 1 in pre-construction stage, and 7 completed but non-functional. In Shahdol Parliament Constituency, 6 EMRSs are operational with varying construction status: 4 completed and 2 in progress.
The Ministry clarified that no blocks in Araria Lok Sabha Constituency meet the prescribed criteria for establishing EMRSs. State Governments have been advised to make EMRSs functional in alternate buildings where feasible and to depute staff on deputation and contract basis to address vacancy issues.