Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

(Education with dignity and opportunity for Scheduled Tribe students)

🔷 Purpose: Why this Scheme?

Let us begin with a basic observation:

Most tribal children in remote areas lack access to quality education, infrastructure, and role models.

EMRS was launched to bridge this developmental gap by providing:

• Free and quality residential education
• In remote and tribal-dominated blocks
• With a focus on holistic development

🔷 Quick Overview

Parameter	Details
Type	Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by Centre)
Launched In	1997-98
Target Group	ST students of Class VI to XII
Implementing Agency	National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS)
Core Aim	Empower tribal students to enter higher education, professional fields, and gain employment in diverse sectors

🔷 Background & Constitutional Link

• EMRS was initially funded through Article 275(1) of the Constitution:

This article empowers the Union to give grants-in-aid to States for promoting the welfare of STs.

• Earlier, State Governments were responsible for construction and recurring costs.

Now, with the creation of NESTS, the scheme is more centralised, structured, and professionalised.

🔷 Coverage Criteria: Where are schools set up?

Every block with:

• More than 50% ST population, and
• At least 20,000 tribal persons
  (as per Census 2011)
  …is eligible for one EMRS.

This ensures targeted saturation in regions with the highest tribal presence.

🔷 Key Features of EMRS

Let’s understand the unique strengths of these schools:

✅ Par with Navodaya Vidyalayas

• High standards of teaching
• Well-equipped infrastructure
• Trained staff, regular monitoring

✅ Cultural & Skill Emphasis

• Not just academic education—also:
  • Preservation of tribal art and culture
  • Skill development training
  • Sports promotion

The goal is to preserve identity while enabling mainstream integration.

✅ All-round Development

• Residential setup provides:
  • Nutrition
  • Healthcare
  • Counselling
  • Emotional support

The idea is to transform not just education but the entire ecosystem of tribal youth development.

🔷 Eklavya Model Day Boarding Schools (EMDBS)

This is a new sub-model under EMRS:

• Set up in sub-districts with 90% or more ST population
• No residential facilities, but full-day schooling with meals, sports, and skill classes

A more flexible and cost-effective model for areas where children don’t need to migrate far.

🔷 Special Emphasis on Sports

Here’s where EMRS goes beyond normal schooling:

🏅 Sports Quota in Admission

• 20% seats are reserved for ST students who excel in sports
• This encourages recognition of diverse talents, not just academics

🏟 Centres of Excellence (CoE) for Sports

• Dedicated campuses with:
  • Sports infrastructure
  • Equipment
  • Coaching and mentoring
• The aim is to nurture national-level tribal athletes

🔚 Conclusion: Why is EMRS important for UPSC?

• Constitutional relevance (Article 275(1))
• Targets educational inclusion of marginalised ST children
• Promotes cultural preservation with modern education
• A rare example of mission-mode intervention in tribal education

📌 Key UPSC Keywords

• Article 275(1)
• NESTS (National Education Society for Tribal Students)
• Central Sector Scheme
• Tribal Education
• Holistic Development
• Day Boarding Schools
• Centres of Excellence (CoE) for Sports