Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Shri Durgadas Uikey provided Rajya Sabha with a comprehensive update on the performance of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Telangana. In Telangana, 23 EMRSs have been sanctioned and are all functional, including one operating from an alternative building. The staffing situation shows significant progress with 9,111 teaching and non-teaching staff already recruited, while examinations have been conducted for an additional batch of 7,267 staff positions across the country. State Governments have also been advised to depute staff on deputation and contract basis to prevent academic activities from being hampered by vacancies.
Academic performance data for Telangana EMRSs shows exceptional results over the last three academic years. For Class 10, pass rates were 99% in 2023-24, 100% in 2024-25, and 99.85% in 2025-26. For Class 12, pass rates were 86.96% in 2023-24, 86% in 2024-25, and 89.93% in 2025-26. Beyond academics, 194 students from Telangana have successfully qualified for JEE/NEET examinations during the last two academic years. The state also achieved first position among all participating states in the 4th EMRS National Sports Meet held in 2025 by securing the highest medal tally. A student from EMRS Balanagar, Telangana, won a Bronze Medal in the Creative Poem Writing Competition during the Yoga Olympiad.
The EMRS Scheme incorporates cultural preservation as an integral component, with Tribal Corners established in schools to showcase and preserve tribal culture, traditions, art, crafts, and heritage. Cultural programs, meets, and workshops are organized to help students learn about and celebrate diverse tribal cultures. Regional Language Teachers have been recruited to enable students to learn and preserve their regional languages.