The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) initiative was launched in 1997-98 to provide Scheduled Tribes (ST) children living in remote areas access to quality education, equipping them to pursue higher education and professional careers. Unlike conventional schools, EMRS institutions prioritize the holistic development of students, focusing not just on academics, but also on cultural preservation, sports, and skill development. Each school is designed to accommodate 480 students, equally divided between boys and girls, offering education from Class VI to XII.

Aiming to bring educational parity to tribal regions, the Government of India had set a target in 2022: every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal people would have an EMRS. Today, 728 EMRS schools have been sanctioned across the country, with 410 already operational and benefiting 128,538 students. On October 2, 2024, the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated 40 additional EMRS facilities, along with laying the foundation stones for 25 new schools, further expanding the reach of this transformative initiative.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools: A Hub for Cultural and Skill Development

What sets EMRS apart from other educational institutions is its deep connection to local culture. In addition to conventional academics, each school has facilities for preserving local art and culture, ensuring that students remain rooted in their heritage while gaining exposure to modern education. The schools are also designed to foster sporting talent and impart essential skills, making them comparable to the prestigious Navodaya Vidyalayas.

The EMRS in Bero, Ranchi, which spans an impressive 10.45 acres, exemplifies this vision. It includes a range of modern facilities such as academic blocks, separate hostels for boys and girls, warden accommodations, a kitchen and dining hall, a flag hoisting stage, and essential infrastructure like an electric substation and rainwater harvesting systems. The landscaping and plantation efforts around the school add to the campus’s aesthetic appeal, making it a conducive environment for learning and personal growth.

TCIL’s Role in Shaping the Future of EMRS

The Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) has played a crucial role in the development of EMRS schools across the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. As the Construction Agency (CA) for these projects, TCIL has been responsible for the entire gamut of services—ranging from architectural planning and design to detailed cost estimation, tendering, and construction supervision.

An agreement between TCIL and the government, originally signed on November 11, 2020, and later amended in January 2023, outlined the construction of 31 EMRS schools. The completion of Phase-1 work for the EMRS in Bero, Ranchi, is a testament to TCIL’s expertise and commitment to empowering tribal communities. The school, which includes a G+1 school building, G+1 boys’ and girls’ hostels, and various essential infrastructure components, is ready to open its doors to students, marking the culmination of years of planning and dedication.

A Bright Future for Tribal Students

The inauguration of the EMRS in Bero, Ranchi, is not just a ceremonial event; it is a symbol of hope and opportunity for thousands of tribal students in Jharkhand. By offering a comprehensive education that balances academics with cultural, physical, and vocational development, EMRS schools are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for India’s tribal communities.

As the nation celebrates this achievement, the story of the Bero school stands as a powerful example of how targeted government initiatives, combined with meticulous planning and execution, can bring about meaningful change. With the continued expansion of the EMRS network, the dream of accessible, high- quality education for all tribal students in India is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

Views expressed by Anil Kumar, GM (C) TCIL

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