The Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) scheme has once again come into focus with the Prime Minister of India laying the foundation stone for a new EMRS at Kombo in West Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. The project, implemented by the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs, reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving educational access and outcomes for Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, especially in remote and tribal-dominated regions.
This development is highly relevant for Prelims and GS Paper 1, covering themes of tribal welfare, social inclusion, education, and human resource development.
Why EMRS is in the News
The newly announced EMRS in Kombo, West Siang district, aims to address long-standing educational challenges faced by tribal students in Arunachal Pradesh. Limited school infrastructure, difficult terrain, and poor connectivity have historically restricted access to quality education in many interior areas. By establishing a fully residential, CBSE-standard institution, the government seeks to create a transformative educational ecosystem for tribal children.
The project is expected to open new avenues for academic growth, skill development, and holistic personality development, contributing to the long-term socio-economic empowerment of tribal youth.
About Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, aimed at providing quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe students from Class VI to Class XII.
The scheme was launched in 1998 and later revamped in 2018–19 to expand coverage, upgrade infrastructure, and standardise academic and residential facilities. EMRS schools are primarily established in remote and tribal-dominated regions, ensuring that talented tribal students are not deprived of educational opportunities due to geography or socio-economic constraints.
Under the scheme, one EMRS is to be set up in every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal residents. The national target is to establish 728 EMRS schools by 2026. The programme is managed by the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Key Features of EMR
EMRS institutions are designed to offer facilities and academic standards comparable to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, ensuring parity in quality.
They are co-educational residential schools catering to students from Classes VI to XII and follow the CBSE curriculum. Education, boarding, and lodging are provided free of cost, reducing the financial burden on tribal families.
Each EMRS has a capacity of 480 students, with equal representation for boys and girls. While the focus remains on ST students, up to 10% of seats may be allotted to non-ST students, and 20% seats are reserved under a sports quota for ST students with proven sporting talent.
Beyond academics, EMRS places strong emphasis on sports, skill development, extracurricular activities, and the preservation of local tribal art, culture, and traditions, ensuring holistic development.
Significance of EMRS for Arunachal Pradesh
Enhancing Educational Access in Remote Regions
Arunachal Pradesh’s rugged terrain and dispersed settlements have long hindered access to quality schooling. EMRS bridges this gap by providing fully residential education in areas where formal schooling options are scarce or inaccessible.
Promoting Inclusive Growth for Tribal Communities
With over 68.79% tribal population (Census 2011), EMRS plays a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and equity. By combining academic education with personality development and skills training, the scheme empowers ST youth to participate more effectively in the mainstream economy.
Reducing Dropout Rates
High dropout rates among tribal students are often linked to long travel distances, lack of hostels, and poor infrastructure. EMRS addresses these challenges through free accommodation, meals, and academic support, ensuring continuity in education.
Preservation of Tribal Culture and Heritage
Unlike conventional schools, EMRS integrates local tribal languages, art forms, customs, and traditions into its activities. This helps students remain connected to their cultural roots while accessing modern education.
Boost to Employment and Local Economy
The construction and operation of EMRS campuses generate local employment opportunities for teachers, administrative staff, and support workers, thereby stimulating the local economy in tribal regions.
Developing a Skilled Future Workforce
With CBSE-standard education, exposure to technology, sports training, and vocational skills, EMRS prepares students for competitive examinations, higher education, and the modern job market, thereby reducing inter-regional educational disparities.
Strengthening State Human Capital
By nurturing talent from tribal communities, EMRS contributes to building a pool of future administrators, professionals, sportspersons, and community leaders, strengthening Arunachal Pradesh’s long-term human capital base.
Alignment with National Development Goals
The EMRS initiative aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises equity, access, and inclusion. It also supports the government’s broader vision of inclusive growth, tribal empowerment, and regional development, particularly in the Northeast.
Conclusion
The establishment of an Eklavya Model Residential School in Kombo, West Siang district marks a significant step towards bridging educational inequalities in Arunachal Pradesh. By combining quality education, residential facilities, cultural preservation, and skill development, EMRS serves as a powerful instrument for tribal empowerment and nation-building. As the scheme expands nationwide, it holds the potential to transform India’s tribal education landscape and contribute meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable development.
