The cabinet approved setting up of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) in every block with more than 50% Scheduled Tribes (ST) population and at least 20,000 tribal persons for resulting as imparting quality education. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Monday gave its in-principle approval for setting up EMRSs.

Currently, 102 such blocks are already having EMRSs and 462 new EMRSs will be established in these blocks across the country for which CCEA has approved Rs. 2,242.03 crore during 2018-19 and 2019-20 for rolling out the revamped scheme.

"EMRS is an excellent approach for imparting quality education to ST children. Apart from school building including hostels and staff quarters, provision for a playground, students' computer lab, teacher resource room, etc are also included in the EMRSs. This initiative will benefit ST students immensely. By focusing on specific intervention to cater to the educational needs of STs, the quality of life of STs is expected to improve to the level of rest of the social groups and a visible impact by 2021 Census” said in official release.

Previously, the construction amount for EMRS were Rs. 12 crore which is now increased to Rs. 20 crore to improve the construction quality and ensure better facilities for the students.

Sports facilities in 163 tribal-dominated districts will also be set up at a unit cost of Rs. 5 crore each to be constructed by 2022. Financial provisions for 15 sports facilities during 2018-19 and 2019-20 have also been approved.

Source: with the inputs of NDTV