Eklavya Schools for Every District With 50% ST Population

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, headed by the PM Narendra Modi has given its in-principle approval for setting up of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in every block.  

It will include 50% ST population with at least 20,000 tribals. During 2018-19 and 2019-20, the CCEA has approved a financial cost of Rs. 2242.03 crore for rolling out the revamped scheme. 

Approvals by the CCEA:  

1. There will be an Autonomous Society under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs like Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti to run the EMRSs. 

2. There will be upgradation of already sanctioned EMRSs on need basis with unit cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 5 crore per school. 

3. Setting up sports facilities in 163 tribal dominated districts at a unit cost of Rs. 5 crore each to be constructed by the year 2022.  

4. Financial provisions for 15 sports facilities during 2018-19 and 2019-20 has been agreed. 

5. Enhancing the grants for maintenance which are admissible every five years from Rs 10 lakh to Rs.20 Lakh. 

Important Points: 

• The 102 of such blocks are already having EMRSs. Therefore, 462 new EMRSs will be established in these blocks across the country. 

• To improve the construction quality and better facilities for the students, there will be increase in construction cost of EMRS from current Rs.12 crore to Rs. 20 crore.  

• Recurring cost to be enhanced to Rs. 1, 09,000/- per student per year from the existing Rs. 61500/- per student per year from 2019-20 onwards. 

• For construction cost in North East, hilly areas, difficult areas and areas affected by Left Wing, additional 20% would be provided towards Extremism. 

• EMRS is an excellent approach for imparting quality education to ST children. Apart from school building provision for a playground, students' computer lab, teacher resource room etc. are also included in the EMRSs. It will benefit ST students immensely. 

• The quality of the life of STs is expected to improve to the level of rest of the social groups and a visible impact by 2021 Census.