The Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey provided an update on the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in West Bengal during a Lok Sabha session. The ministry confirmed that Bundwan block of Purulia district is the only block meeting the prescribed criteria for establishment of a new EMRS, and land for this block has been identified by the State Government.
Regarding existing operations, the EMRS in Kalimpong is currently functional in an alternate building while construction of the permanent building has commenced. The total approved funding for EMRS Kalimpong amounts to Rs 20.91 crore, out of which Rs 9.96 crore has been released to date.
The establishment of EMRS under the existing scheme continues to be based on the 2011 census data, which determines eligibility criteria for new school locations. This update provides transparency on the implementation status and funding allocation for tribal education infrastructure in West Bengal.